Melt to close all restaurants — except one

LAKEWOOD, Ohio (WJW) — On Monday, the owner of Melt Bar and Grilled announced on Facebook that two more restaurants will permanently close allowing the company “to focus on the original flagship location in Lakewood.”

The regional restaurant chain has closed multiple Ohio locations since early last year. Owner Matt Fish previously cited post-pandemic difficulties as part of the chain’s decision to scale back.

On Monday, he wrote , “To say 2024 has been a crazy and turbulent year would be a huge understatement. I greatly appreciate everyone who has supported us through the last 18 years and the many changes this year.”

The social media post goes on to say that two Melt Bar and Grilled restaurants in Mentor and A k ron will permanently close in August. The chain’s original location in Lakewood will close as well, but only temporarily for renovations which are set to begin on Monday, Sept. 2. The renovation process is expected to take one week.

“During the temporary closure there are many renovations planned that will affect all aspects of the location and brand. Updates and improvements are planned for the menu, food & drink quality/selection, service levels, atmosphere/décor and branding,” wrote Fish. “Additionally, I will be returning to the location full time with my select key staff to operate the new and improved Lakewood location.”

According to the post, the flagship restaurant will celebrate a grand reopening on Monday, Sept. 9.

“We do not plan to change our core values or attitude. However, it is time for the brand to mature, get a bit more polished and positively upgrade our offerings and standards,” wrote Fish.

The post notes that two leased locations at Case Western Reserve University and at Progressive Field will also remain open.

At one point, Melt, which first opened in 2006 , operated nearly a dozen restaurants across Ohio.

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