Melt Bar and Grilled
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | September 1, 2006 in Lakewood, Ohio, United States |
| Founder | Matt Fish |
| Defunct | January 1, 2025 |
| Fate | Closed after Chapter 11 bankruptcy and restructuring |
| Headquarters | Lakewood , United States |
Area served | Ohio |
Key people | Matt Fish (Founder and CEO) |
| Products | Artisan grilled cheese sandwiches, comfort cuisine |
Melt Bar and Grilled was a restaurant chain based in Ohio, known for its focus on artisan grilled cheese sandwiches and classic comfort cuisine. Established in 2006 in Lakewood, Ohio by founder and CEO Matt Fish, the business became recognized for its distinctive menu concepts.
The chain attracted considerable media coverage on both regional and national levels, appearing in publications such as USA Today, Esquire Magazine, and National Culinary Review, which emphasized its influence within the food industry.
In June 2024, Melt Bar and Grilled initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, attributing the decision to financial difficulties and the closure of several outlets. The company also encountered legal challenges related to unpaid rent but initially planned to maintain operations throughout the restructuring process. The last remaining location ceased operations by January 1, 2025.
Former locations
- Cleveland Heights, launched May 2010, shuttered November 2020, situated at 13463 Cedar Road.
- Melt Public Square, began service September 2016, located at Café 200 Public Square.
- Columbus (Short North), opened November 2013, closed July 2022, at 840 North High Street.
- Dayton, started June 2017, ended January 2023, at 2733 Fairfield Commons.
- Canton, commenced November 2017, closed January 2023, at 4230 Belden Village Mall Circle.
- Independence, initiated October 2011, ceased February 2024, at 6700 Rockside Road.
- Avon, opened August 2017, closed January 2024, located at 35546 Detroit Road.
- Cedar Point, began May 2017, shut down May 2024, at 1 Cedar Point Drive.
- Columbus (Easton), launched December 2014, closed July 2024, at 4206 Worth Avenue.
- Mentor, opened November 2012, ended August 11, 2024, at 7289 Mentor Avenue.
- Akron, started June 2016, closed August 25, 2024, at 3921 Medina Road.
- Lakewood, original location since September 2006, closed January 1, 2025, at 14718 Detroit Avenue.
Television appearances
Melt received considerable visibility through multiple culinary television programs. The original establishment was highlighted on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri in an episode aired on February 8, 2010.
On June 22, 2010, Melt was showcased on the Travel Channel's Man v. Food, hosted by Adam Richman. The following year, in 2011, Melt was featured on Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate, spotlighting its "Godfather" lasagna grilled cheese sandwich.
Additional television features include a cheese-focused installment of Travel Channel's Amazing Eats in 2012 and a segment on Cheese Paradise aired by the Travel Channel in 2013. These television exposures contributed to strengthening Melt’s standing within the competitive dining industry.