Ohio-based restaurant chain files for bankruptcy; sued by Easton over unpaid rent

Once considered one of the fastest growing chain of small restaurants, it appears as if this eatery is now struggling.

Last month, 614Now reported that Easton Town Center was suing Melt Bar & Grilled over months of unpaid rent. 

Now, this restaurant, known for mile-high grilled sandwiches, has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The bankruptcy petition would allow Melt to keep operating, but just in a smaller capacity. The documents say that Melt is struggling to pay bills from landlords, vendors, and service providers. 

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Melt Bar & Grilled only has $500,000-$1 million in assets, according to documents, but they have more than 100 creditors and estimated liabilities from $1 million-$10 million. Records show Melt owes Huntington Bank $1.8 million in loans, and $1.7 million in rent to landlords.

An attorney for the company wrote in one of the court filings, ““The increased cost of goods and labor and major shifts and changes in the service industry have hurt (Melt’s) operations tremendously.”

Currently, there are only four of these restaurants left. One in Akron, Lakewood, Mentor, and Columbus, at Easton. Matt Fish, the founder, opened the first location in Lakewood back in 2006, and the restaurant rapidly expanded, especially after being featured on the hit show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

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