Melt Bar and Grilled Photography

Melt Bar and Grilled, founded by Matt Fish in 2006, has undergone a significant transformation after 18 years of operation. Originally known for its gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and punk aesthetic, the restaurant has recently rebranded itself as a "grown-up version" of its former self. This evolution includes a renovated interior, an updated chef-driven menu that combines reimagined fan favorites with sophisticated new offerings, and a renewed focus on culinary excellence. The changes come after a period of rapid expansion followed by closures, with Fish deciding to concentrate on the original Lakewood location to recapture the essence of what made Melt successful while adapting to current dining trends. In collaboration with Dallas Riffle Media, we had the opportunity to capture this transformation through photography during two significant periods: from June 2020 through July 2021, and again from January 2023 through June 2023. Our photographic work aimed to showcase the restaurant's updated atmosphere, highlighting the refreshed decor, new artwork, and the thoughtfully curated menu items. We focused on capturing the essence of Melt's evolution, from its punk roots to its more sophisticated current incarnation. Through our lens, we documented the revamped interior, including the preserved iconic elements like the plastic blow-mold characters and modular glass star lights, alongside the new wood paneling and furniture. Our photography also emphasized the locally sourced ingredients and reimagined dishes, such as the Parmageddon with its Rudy's Strudel pierogi and new offerings like grilled artichokes and fried calamari. Working closely with Dallas Riffle Media throughout these periods allowed us to create a visual narrative that effectively communicated Melt's journey and its new direction to both loyal customers and potential new patrons.