It’s always sad to see a local legend disappear.
Especially one that started with a simple idea (grilled cheese) and turned it into something unforgettable.
After nearly 20 years, Melt Bar & Grilled has closed its last location. And for Ohio food lovers, this one hits hard.
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It was bold, loud, and didn’t hold back.
Cheese pulls. Giant sandwiches. Punk rock on the speakers.
Funny enough, it was originally supposed to be a craft beer bar.
But once the grilled cheese hit the menu, that was it.
The sandwiches stole the show.
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Yeah, you could just get a plain grilled cheese… But why would you?
With 20+ sandwiches to choose from, these were some of the most famous/interesting:
– The Parmageddon had pierogies and sauerkraut.
– Mom’s Meatloaf came with mashed potatoes.
– The Lake Erie Monster was a fish fry in sandwich form.
If you were on a diet, this was not the place to go.
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They were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Man vs. Food, and after that, everything changed.
Business took off. Lines got longer. And Founder Matt Fish started opening new locations all over Ohio.
They even picked up the title of “Ohio’s Best Grilled Cheese” along the way.
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Melt added a central kitchen to prep food for all the new stores, then opened in Cleveland Heights, Mentor, Columbus, and more.
At its peak, Melt had 13 locations across Ohio.
On The EnTRUEpreneurship Podcast, Matt Fish said they were pulling in more than $20 million a year.
There was even talk of going national.
And for a while, it really looked like they’d pull it off.
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You already know this part.
Lockdowns. Staffing issues. Takeout pivots.
It was rough for every restaurant, and Melt wasn’t immune.
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By 2022, everything cost more.
Food. Labor. Rent.
Raise prices, and fans push back.
Don’t raise prices? You lose money.
It was lose-lose.
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When a new place charges $18 for a sandwich, it’s annoying.
But when your favorite spot does it? It’s even more annoying.
It didn’t matter that Melt wasn’t trying to gouge anyone.
People felt the change… and not in a good way.
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Columbus North closed in 2022.
Dayton and Canton followed in 2023.
Independence and Avon were gone by early 2024.
That left just one location: the original in Lakewood.
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In June 2024, Melt filed for Chapter 11.
They owed over $3 million – including $1.8M to Huntington Bank and another $1.6M in unpaid rent.
Matt Fish tried to save the brand by focusing on just one location.
But it wasn’t enough.
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In early 2025, Melt officially shut down its last remaining store.
No farewell tour. No TV cameras.
Just a final post on social media – and lots of heartbroken fans.
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Fish told local media:
“This was absolutely the last thing I ever wanted to do… Melt has been my life for 18 years.”
But when the Lakewood location couldn’t cover expenses, the dream ended.
The doors closed for good in early 2025.
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People took to social media to share their first visit, their favorite order, and what the place meant to them.
On Melt’s own Instagram, they posted one last thank-you after receiving an official Resolution from the City of Lakewood.
“It’s a major award… and cake! Melt and owner @mattfishmelt received very nice recognition… Thank you to the city and all city officials… and everyone who supported us over our 18 years in business! We miss you! Hope to be back in Lakewood again someday soon.”
It was a heartfelt goodbye, and a reminder of how much Melt meant to the people around it.
Not just a restaurant. A part of the community.
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Independent restaurants are struggling everywhere.
Even big chains are feeling it – Jack in the Box is closing up to 200 locations this year.
So if you’ve got a favorite local spot… now might be a good time to show up.
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So there you have it. A beloved grilled cheese spot that started as a beer bar… blew up after a TV feature… grew into a $20 million brand… and just couldn’t make it through the last few years.
Melt Bar & Grilled wasn’t brought down by bad food or bad service.
It was hit by the same wave that’s taken out so many others – a pandemic, inflation, rising costs, and a shifting industry that’s getting harder and harder to survive in.
Did you ever eat at Melt? Have a favorite order?
Drop your thoughts in the comments – we want to hear your stories!
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