Melt Bar and Grilled

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Melt Bar and Grilled
Company typePrivate
IndustryHospitality
FoundedSeptember 2006; 19 years ago (2006-09) in Lakewood, Ohio
FounderMatt Fish
DefunctJanuary 1, 2025; 10 months ago (2025-01-01)
FateBankruptcy
Headquarters
Cleveland, Ohio
,
United States
Key people
Matt Fish (CEO)
OwnerMatt Fish

Melt Bar and Grilled was a restaurant chain in Ohio that specialized in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and other comfort foods.[1] The restaurant was founded in 2006 in Lakewood, Ohio by Matt Fish, who owned and operated the restaurants as the chief executive officer.[2]

Melt received media attention both locally and nationally. Matt Fish's creations and the restaurant were featured in USA Today,[3] Esquire Magazine,[4] as one of the best sandwiches in America; and in National Culinary Review.[5]

In June 2024, Melt Bar and Grilled filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, blaming growing economic issues and store closures as part of the decision.[6] The company also faces several lawsuits for unpaid rent at its restaurants. The company claimed it would continue to operate during the proceedings.[7] However, the last location closed by January 1, 2025.[2][8]

Former locations

[edit]
The interior of the former location in Independence, Ohio
  • Cleveland Heights, opened in May 2010, closed in November 2020, at 13463 Cedar Road.
  • Melt Public Square, opened in September 2016, at Café 200 Public Square.
  • Columbus (Short North), opened in November 2013, closed in July 2022, at 840 North High Street.[9]
  • Dayton, opened in June 2017, Closed in January 2023, at 2733 Fairfield Commons.[10]
  • Canton, opened in November 2017, Closed in January 2023, at 4230 Belden Village Mall Circle.[10]
  • Independence, opened in October 2011, closed in February 2024, at 6700 Rockside Road.[11]
  • Avon, opened in August 2017, closed in January 2024, at 35546 Detroit Road.[12]
  • Cedar Point, opened in May 2017, at 1 Cedar Point Drive, closed in May 2024.[13]
  • Columbus (Easton), opened in December 2014, at 4206 Worth Avenue, closed in July 2024.[14]
  • Mentor, opened in November 2012, at 7289 Mentor Avenue, closed August 11, 2024.[15]
  • Akron, opened in June 2016, at 3921 Medina Road, closed August 25, 2024.[15]
  • Lakewood, opened in September 2006, at 14718 Detroit Avenue, closed January 1, 2025.[8]

Television appearances

[edit]

Melt was featured on several food-themed television shows. Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,[16] with Guy Fieri, featured the original location in an episode that aired on February 8, 2010.[17]

The Travel Channel show Man v. Food with Adam Richman also featured the original location in an episode that aired June 22, 2010.[18][19]

In 2011, Melt was featured on the Food Network show The Best Thing I Ever Ate, in the messy food themed episode for their "Godfather" lasagna grilled cheese sandwich.

In 2012, Melt was featured in a cheese-themed episode of the Travel Channel's Amazing Eats,[20] another Adam Richman-hosted show.

In 2013, Melt was featured in Cheese Paradise on the Travel Channel.[21]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Dirmann, Tina (July 24, 2008). "Grilled cheese vies to be the greatest thing on sliced bread". USA Today. Archived from the original on August 1, 2008.
  2. ^ a b Chakerian, Peter (January 17, 2025). "Inside the rise and fall of Cleveland's iconic Melt Bar & Grilled". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  3. ^ Matheson, Whitney. "Cool pop-culture spot: Cleveland's Melt Bar & Grilled". USA Today.
  4. ^ "The Best Sandwiches in America: A Reader Addendum". Esquire. April 24, 2008.
  5. ^ "The National Culinary Review - July/August 2010 - 38". www.ncrdigital.com.
  6. ^ Kelso, Alicia (June 18, 2024). "Grilled cheese restaurant Melt Bar & Grilled files for bankruptcy". NRN. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  7. ^ Carey, Tyler (June 17, 2024). "Melt Bar and Grilled files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, claiming millions in debts". WKYC. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Beeble, Chris (January 1, 2025). "Melt Bar and Grilled owner announces permanent closure of restaurant". WKYC. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  9. ^ "Melt Bar and Grilled closes Short North location". 10TV. July 11, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Carey, Tyler (January 31, 2023). "Melt Bar & Grilled shuts down 2 locations, including one in Canton". WKYC.
  11. ^ Dennis, Justin (February 26, 2024). "Melt appears to have closed yet another location". Fox8.
  12. ^ DeNatale, Dave (January 2, 2024). "Melt Bar and Grilled permanently closes Avon location amid 'growing economic issues'". WKYC.
  13. ^ Haidet, Ryan (May 1, 2024). "Melt Bar and Grilled restaurant closed at Cedar Point: Park confirms it won't return for 2024 season". WKYC.
  14. ^ Bona, Marc (July 26, 2024). "Melt Bar and Grilled closes another location". Cleveland.com.
  15. ^ a b Haidet, Ryan (July 29, 2024). "Melt Bar and Grilled locations to close in Akron and Mentor: Owner Matt Fish shares update on company's future". WKYC.
  16. ^ Crea, Joe (July 22, 2009). "Food Network star Guy Fieri raves about Cleveland's food scene: Restaurant Row". Cleveland.com.
  17. ^ "By Request : Diners, Drive-ins and Dives : Food Network". Archived from the original on September 6, 2010. Retrieved August 28, 2010.
  18. ^ "Man v. Food".
  19. ^ Heaton, Michael (June 24, 2010). "Man V Food episode starring Lakewood's Melt airs before watch party at restaurant". Cleveland.com.
  20. ^ "Amazing Eats | TV Guide". TVGuide.com.
  21. ^ "Celebrate Melt on the Travel Channel - Melt Bar and Grilled". March 1, 2013.[dead link]