Melt Bar & Grilled, the Cleveland, Ohio-based grilled cheese concept, has permanently shut down six months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Owner Max Fish made the announcement on social media on New Year’s Day, stating that the company has “struggled financially” since the pandemic, and his team had to make difficult decisions to try to save Melt Bar & Grilled, including closing 12 out of the 13 locations, and filing for bankruptcy protection last June, with the intention of “reorganizing and rebuilding the company.”
“The decision was made to focus solely on the original Lakewood location to reimagine and improve my original concept, while maintaining a semblance of work/life balance,” Fish wrote in a Facebook post. “An ambitious renovation, rebranding, and relaunch began on September 9th, 2024. All aspects of the relaunch succeeded according to plan except one… the projected robust business levels never happened. The financial burden of bankruptcy, combined with the lack of robust sales, [has] proved to be completely devastating.”
Melt Bar & Grilled was founded in 2006 and grew to 13 company-owned and licensed locations, known for its lineup of creative, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and extensive selection of craft beers. In 2013, the company was named a Breakout Brand by Nation’s Restaurant News.
By the time the company filed for bankruptcy last June, Melt Bar & Grilled was down to just four locations. According to Fish, after the company struggled to recover during the pandemic, he and his team quickly “made drastic changes” and “pulled every lever possible” to try to save the company.
According to multiple online comments from patrons of Melt Bar & Grilled, the company’s downfall could also be attributed to its rapid expansion, as well as an alleged decline in quality amid a menu expansion to include more options for vegan and gluten-free patrons.
“Melt began as the ‘little restaurant that could’ and unexpectedly went on to spread its wings, grow tremendously and inspire many others to do the same,” Fish’s statement continued. “While this is a very difficult decision, I have no regrets. I accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish and much more with Melt Bar & Grilled.”
Fish did not respond in time to request for comment on customers alleging that the brand had declined in quality before filing for bankruptcy. He went on to state that after shutting down Melt permanently, he plans to take time off before seeking a new venture.
Melt Bar & Grilled was just one of many restaurant stories that ended in 2024. This year, restaurants declared the most bankruptcies in decades (with the exception of 2020), with notable Chapter 11 filings including Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, Hawkers Asian Street Food, and several major franchisees of national chains.
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