Hot Box coming to Carmel

The Hot Box pizza chain has reached a deal with a pair of veteran local restaurateurs to open two new locations in Carmel. The first, scheduled to open in January, will be at the corner of Carmel Drive and Rangeline Road. It will feature beer, wine and salads in addition to the chain’s signature pies. No location has been chosen for the second store. The franchise owners are Pete Watson, who operates 14 Buffalo Wild Wings locations in Indiana, and Steve Wechter, who owns Famous Jack’s Burgers ‘n Brew. Hot Box won approval earlier this year to sell franchises in several states, including Indiana, Michigan and Texas. HotBox already has stores in Broad Ripple, downtown, Fishers and West Lafayette.