AVON, Ohio — For the second time in nearly a year, Melt Bar and Grilled has announced that it is closing a location in Northeast Ohio.
In a release, Melt announced that owner Matt Fish and his team have permanently closed the Avon location on Detroit Road, effective on Tuesday.
“We enjoyed 7 good years in Avon,” said Fish in a statement. “However, we feel having a smaller footprint and getting back even more to our hometown Cleveland roots is incredibly important right now. This was a very difficult decision both personally and professionally for many reasons, but ultimately this move will put the company in a much better position for continued success.
So why is this happening?
“Navigating the restaurant industry in the post-pandemic world with growing economic issues is becoming more and more difficult,” added Fish. “The world and the industry are rapidly changing around us,” he continues. “We realized in early 2023, a smaller restaurant group would be much better for us to manage regarding operations and guest experience, while setting ourselves up for future success.”
On Jan. 31, 2023, Melt closed its locations in Canton and Dayton in an effort to downsize and put themselves "in a much better position for continued success." At the time, the restaurant also cited the importance of having a "smaller footprint" and returning to its "Cleveland roots."
So how is Melt planning to 'set itself up for future success'? The restaurant says it plans to "get back to basics" and its "fundamental roots." Melt Bar and Grilled recently launched a newly-designed menu and cocktail program, featuring the return of classic sandwiches like Parmageddeon, Melt Reuben, and Patty Melt. Melt is also bringing back the classic starter Melt Pierogi, while offering a "reimagined" dessert selection with treats such as NY Cheesecake, Fried Oreos, and Root Beer Float.
The new menu also introduces Melt’s famous sandwiches prepared as a flour tortilla wrap, marking the first-time wraps have been offered on the menu in the restaurant's 18-year history.
Melt will continue to operate locations in Akron, Independence, Lakewood, Mentor, and Columbus. In addition, you can enjoy their sandwiches at Cedar Point, Case Western Reserve University, and Progressive Field.
“All other Melt Bar and Grilled locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Columbus remain open and are doing well,” said Fish. “Shrinking the company to be better and more efficient has been the goal for a while. We truly hope our friends and loyal guests will continue to visit and support us at our 5 current Melt Bar and Grilled locations. Our flagship location in Lakewood is close to Avon so we hope our far westside guests will visit and support our Lakewood location.”