About us

Welcome to ROOTS 95 Craft Kitchen & Bar, a culinary gem on Chambery Blvd. Founded by Arturo Mora, this restaurant is a haven for artisanal cooking, where dishes are crafted using fresh, thoughtfully sourced ingredients and a broad spectrum of taste experiences.

At the heart of ROOTS 95 lies a commitment to creativity and authenticity. The chef-driven menu explores various cuisines, presenting vibrant tastes and unique presentations. Each dish tells a story, emphasizing originality and quality.

Inspired by Arturo's culinary journey, ROOTS 95 offers selections that transcend traditional boundaries. From innovative small plates and salads to distinctive entrees and pastas, our dishes present diverse inspirations with a creative twist.

We are devoted to providing an exceptional dining experience - whether you're visiting for the first time or are a long-time guest, your time with us promises to be memorable and filled with unique culinary delights.

Meet Chef Arturo Mora

Chef Arturo Mora is the founder, owner, and creative force behind Flame Group and Roots 95, where his passion for exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and community comes to life every day. His culinary journey is rooted in perseverance, hard work, and the belief that great food has the power to bring people together.

After immigrating to the United States in 1995, Chef Arturo arrived with determination, a strong work ethic, and a dream of building something meaningful. That milestone inspired the name Roots 95 - a tribute to the year his American journey began and a reminder that our roots shape who we are while creating opportunities for new beginnings.

Chef Arturo spent years mastering his craft in restaurants across the Midwest, gaining experience in authentic Mexican cuisine, seafood, Italian cooking, and elevated American fare. His diverse culinary background and commitment to quality led him to launch Flame the Food Truck in 2017, introducing Des Moines to bold, scratch-made flavors with a fresh, Latin-inspired twist.

What started as a single food truck has grown into Flame Group, a family of restaurants, catering services, and food trucks serving guests throughout Iowa. Along the way, Flame the Food Truck has earned recognition from Catch Des Moines with awards including Des Best Food Truck and Des Best Birria. Chef Arturo has also been honored with the Iowa Restaurant Association's American Dream Award, recognizing his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, resilience, and contributions to Iowa's hospitality industry.

Today, Chef Arturo continues to create memorable dining experiences by blending authentic recipes with bold flavors and fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. He is passionate about supporting Iowa farmers and producers, believing that great meals begin with exceptional ingredients and strong community partnerships.

Whether welcoming guests to Roots 95, serving a neighborhood event from Flame the Food Truck, or catering life's biggest celebrations, Chef Arturo's mission remains the same—to bring people together around the table through meaningful food experiences. His personal philosophy, "Mi Casa es Su Casa" My Home is Your Home, is more than a saying; it's the foundation of every restaurant, every meal, and every guest experience. He believes everyone who walks through the door should feel like family, leave with a memorable meal, and know they are always welcome back.