In a notable development for the Cleveland culinary scene, Melt Bar and Grilled, a restaurant once acclaimed for its inventive grilled cheese sandwiches and featured on national television programs like "Man Vs. Food" and "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives," has announced its permanent closure. The venerable eatery will be holding a farewell garage sale from Jan. 17-19, between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., at its flagship location in Lakewood, offering patrons one last opportunity to visit and own a piece of local dining history possibly, according to the WKYC news.
Matt Fish, the owner and founder of Melt Bar and Grilled, decided to shut down after an attempt to restructure the business fundamentally. "This decision was not made lightly or without years of incredible effort and stress," Fish said, as reported by News 5 Cleveland. The company, which initially boasted 13 fully staffed locations before the pandemic, had to scale down operations drastically and, despite a vigorous effort to save the enterprise, was unsuccessful in its endeavors.
The garage sale/memorial event was initially publicized on Melt's Facebook page, inviting customers to a venue where they can reminisce and say farewells. "We will be selling decorative items, apparel, merchandise, serving ware, and small wares," the announcement detailed. According to Cleveland.com, the bar will also be operational during the garage sale, serving beer and cocktails, thus allowing patrons to toast to Melt one final time.
In addition to the decorative and nostalgic items obtainable, Melt has communicated to customers with unused gift cards that they are welcome to use them for drinks at the bar during the event. As conveyed by WKYC, this occasion will not only serve as a sale but as a moment for the community and former customers to reflect and celebrate the lifespan of a business that, for over a decade and a half, served as a touchstone of Cleveland's gastronomic culture.
Fish expressed deep gratitude for the community's support in his social media posts about the closure. "Thank you to the millions of guests who have supported us over the last 18 years," Fish wrote. "I feel we provided a very fun, unique, consistent, and delicious experience during our lifetime. Thank you to everyone who experienced and supported Melt Bar and Grilled," he said, echoing a sentiment of appreciation accompanying the end of an era for the popular eatery, as shared by WKYC.
