When you step into Roots Burger Bar in Carmel, the first words you see are Welcome Home. For owner Scott Wise, those words are more than a greeting: they’re a mission. They represent his return to his own roots, both as a restaurateur and as a lifelong Hoosier, and they reflect the spirit of comfort, belonging, and community that Roots Burger Bar brings to every guest who walks through its doors.

Scott Wise’s restaurant journey began at just 22 years old when he opened his first spot in his hometown of Yorktown, Indiana. Years later, after growing, learning, and weathering the ups and downs of business and life, Wise has come full circle. Roots Burger Bar is a celebration of second chances and staying grounded in what matters most: family, community, and great food. “Storms cause trees to take deeper roots,” Wise reflects, and this restaurant stands as a testament to resilience, gratitude, and connection.

The Carmel location was chosen intentionally. Rather than setting up shop along busy Main Street, Roots planted itself in the Brookshire neighborhood to become a true local gathering place. The goal was never to be just another restaurant, but rather a neighborhood favorite—a place where kids, parents, grandparents, and friends can come together to share a meal, watch a game, or simply enjoy time with one another.

Guests are greeted with free popcorn at their tables, a fun and unexpected touch that sets the tone for the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu itself is built around comfort, with smashed burgers at the heart of the lineup. Known for their thin, crispy edges and juicy flavor, the Indiana-rooted smashed burger is more than just a meal—it’s a nod to culinary tradition and to the state Wise calls home. Burgers might be a little messy, but that’s the point. As Wise likes to say, they’re “the kind of burgers that taste like a hug.”

While the food is central, what truly makes Roots Burger Bar different is its mission to embrace all ages and all members of the community. Families love the Kids Eat Free nights on Sundays and Tuesdays, which make dining out both enjoyable and affordable. Wednesdays bring the community together for free live trivia, paired with crowd-pleasers like the $9.99 Steak, Salad, and Side special. And for those who want to make Roots their regular spot, the Mug Club offers a personalized 24-ounce mug held at the restaurant for weekly drink specials and daily perks.

But Roots’ impact goes well beyond the dining room. Wise and his team believe deeply in giving back to Carmel and its schools, teams, and local organizations. From donating meals to teachers to supporting student programs in football, soccer, band, and hockey, Roots Burger Bar sees itself as part of the neighborhood’s foundation. They also host “Dine to Donate” events, where a portion of sales goes directly to community groups, reinforcing their commitment to nurturing the very community that supports them.

At its core, Roots Burger Bar is about more than food. It’s about connection, resilience, and kindness. As Wise puts it, the best advice he can give his community is simple: “be kind to one another, support your neighbors, and never forget your roots.” That spirit lives in every plate served, event hosted, and guest welcomed at Roots Burger Bar.

Roots Burger Bar
 Scott Wise, Owner

(463) 273-2004

12552 Gray Rd, Carmel, IN 46033