CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The above video is from November of 2019
The coronavirus pandemic appears to have claimed another one of Northeast Ohio's popular restaurants.
The owner of Melt Bar & Grilled announced Saturday the Cleveland Heights location will be shutting its doors permanently due to "the uncertainty and challenges of the pandemic." The restaurant had been in business for 10 years and was the franchise's second location, but the lease had already been scheduled to expire at the end of 2020.
In a statement posted on the Melt website, chef Matt Fish said, in part:
"The location, at the corner of Cedar and South Taylor, near the Cedar Lee Theater, University Circle and great museums, fit our concept perfectly and really helped Melt transform from a funky neighborhood place that served gourmet comfort food and great beer, to a true restaurant group...We loved being a part of the Cleveland Heights community and want to thank our loyal Melt fans – we have cherished the last decade and thank you all for your support!"
Known for its trademark grilled cheese sandwiches, Melt first its open its doors in Lakewood in 2006 and has since expanded to eight other sports across Ohio (excluding Cleveland Heights) as well as satellite locations at Cedar Point, Progressive Field, and Case Western Reserve University. Thankfully, Fish says all other Melt restaurants are still open and "doing well" despite the difficulties brought on by COVID-19.
Fish and others will now assist the landlord in finding a new tenant, with Fish himself calling it a "great location." Anyone interested is urged to call James Stonehill at (216) 378-1220 x108.