12 years ago, Kevin and Diane McAndrews moved from Oregon to Carmel in search of community- where they could gather with others who share similar interests. One afternoon in October 2016, while they were riding their bikes, they stumbled upon a place in the heart of Carmel where they could make their dream of building a place for people to gather together a reality.
Since then, 220 E. Main Street has become a local hotspot for community building, attracting people from all walks of life. The McAndrews chose the property because of its ideal location. “When the property came up for sale, we thought that it would be a really perfect spot. It was in the area close to the high school, close to the library, still in a walkable part of the community, and had a great neighborhood behind that has been supportive of us,” shares owner Diane McAndrews.
Nestled within a charming former residence just west of the high school, Indie Coffee Roasters has become a beloved gathering spot for both Carmel locals and visitors from surrounding areas. From well-known athletes to Indy 500 race car drivers, and from friendly neighbors to regular business travelers, Diane welcomes everyone with open arms, treating them like cherished friends within her establishment. “We want to make it as easy as possible for you to sit down for a cup of coffee. You order, we get your name, and then we take it out to you. When you're in the shop, you're more than a guest, you're company.” The goal is for visitors to have more than just a great cup of coffee because the McAndrews want conversations to continue so relationships can be built.
Since its establishment in 2018, Indie Coffee Roasters has played a vital role in many special occasions, including proposals, birthday celebrations, and other joyous events. The warm and inviting ambiance of the coffee shop even brought two of its employees together, who fell in love and eventually tied the knot. Today, they are happily married with children, a testament to the welcoming atmosphere Indie Coffee Roasters provides for both its staff and guests.
Over the years, the Carmel community’s support for Indie Coffee Roasters has allowed them to extend their generosity to other organizations in need like Hope Center Indy and Prevail, Inc. in Indianapolis and Gasharu Coffee in Rwanda. They partnered with these nonprofit organizations and designated them as beneficiaries of their signature drink sales. This initiative has allowed Indie Coffee Roasters to give back and contribute to causes important to them.
Diane shared they have also hosted an adoption drive for Indy Humane Society for the past several years. “They bring their truck to our Carmel location and it brings awareness. We also give [them] proceeds from the coffee sales that day.” The McAndrews have taken great joy in seeing customers welcome furry friends into their families as a result of these events.So naturally, the business has created a welcoming space- on the patio- for them too!
Looking to the future, Indie Coffee Roasters has big plans. They are continuing to innovate with new flavors, like their espresso blend, Circle, as well as stay on trend with holiday specialty drinks and pour over options. To celebrate some of their past success, they are also showcasing some throwback flavors, “Right now, we are bringing back our signature drinks from the last five years and representing them each quarter.” For Indie Coffee Roasters, it's about more than just coffee – they want their customers to experience the unique processes and regions that shape their coffee, creating a truly unforgettable and immersive experience.
In addition to being a community hotspot in Carmel, Indie Coffee Roasters has a second location in West Lafayette and has plans to open two more locations by fall of this year. One will be in Carmel's north end off 136 and includes a bakery storefront, offering delicious treats and fresh-baked goods to complement their signature coffee drinks. The second location will be in Federal Hill Park in Noblesville, providing yet another inviting setting for customers to gather, relax, and enjoy their favorite beverages.
"We want to make it as easy as possible for you to sit down for a cup of coffee...When you're in the shop, you're more than a guest, you're company.”
