Melt Bar and Grilled

Last updated
Melt Bar and Grilled
Industry
FoundedSeptember 2006;18 years ago (2006-09) in Lakewood, Ohio
Founders
  • Matt Fish
DefunctJanuary 1, 2025;9 days ago (2025-01-01)
Fate Bankruptcy
Headquarters,
United States
Key people
  • Matt Fish (Owner & CEO)
Website meltbarandgrilled.com

Melt Bar and Grilled was a restaurant chain in Ohio that specialized in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and other comfort food favorites. [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]

Contents

Melt enjoyed notoriety both locally and nationally. Matt Fish's creations and the popular Cleveland 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. The company also faces several lawsuits for unpaid rent at its restaurants. The company claimed it would continue to operate during the proceedings. [6] However, the last location closed by January 1, 2025. [7]

Closed locations

The interior of the former location in Independence, Ohio 500px photo (31812319).jpeg
The interior of the former location in Independence, Ohio

Television appearances

Melt was featured on several food-themed television shows. Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives , [17] with Guy Fieri, featured the original location in an episode that aired on February 8, 2010, [18]

The Travel Channel show Man v. Food [19] with Adam Richman also featured the original location in an episode that aired June 22, 2010. [20]

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 , [21] another Adam Richman-hosted show.

In 2013, Melt was featured in Cheese Paradise on the Travel Channel. [22]

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References

  1. "Grilled cheese vies to be the greatest thing on sliced bread - USATODAY.com". www.usatoday.com.
  2. "About Matt Fish".
  3. "Cool pop-culture spot: Cleveland's Melt Bar & Grilled".
  4. "The Best Sandwiches in America: A Reader Addendum". 24 April 2008.
  5. "The National Culinary Review - July/August 2010 - 38". www.ncrdigital.com.
  6. Carey, Tyler (June 17, 2024). "Melt Bar and Grilled files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, claiming millions in debts". WKYC. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  7. 1 2 "Melt Bar and Grilled owner announces permanent closure of restaurant". WKYC . 1 January 2025. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  8. "Melt Bar and Grilled closes Short North location". 11 July 2022.
  9. "Melt Bar & Grilled shuts down 2 locations, including one in Canton". 31 January 2023.
  10. "Melt Bar & Grilled shuts down 2 locations, including one in Canton". 31 January 2023.
  11. "Melt appears to have closed yet another location".
  12. "Melt Bar and Grilled permanently closes Avon location amid 'growing economic issues'".
  13. "Melt Bar and Grilled restaurant closed at Cedar Point: Park confirms it won't return for 2024 season".
  14. "Melt Bar and Grilled closes another location".
  15. "Melt Bar and Grilled locations to close in Akron and Mentor: Owner Matt Fish shares update on company's future".
  16. "Melt Bar and Grilled locations to close in Akron and Mentor: Owner Matt Fish shares update on company's future".
  17. "Food Network star Guy Fieri raves about Cleveland's food scene: Restaurant Row". 22 July 2009.
  18. "By Request : Diners, Drive-ins and Dives : Food Network". Archived from the original on 2010-09-06. Retrieved 2010-08-28.
  19. "Man V Food episode starring Lakewood's Melt airs before watch party at restaurant". 24 June 2010.
  20. "Man v. Food".
  21. "Amazing Eats | TV Guide". TVGuide.com.
  22. "Celebrate Melt on the Travel Channel - Melt Bar and Grilled". 1 March 2013.