Josh Keaton thinks he’s found South Carolina’s melting point.
The food-service veteran is helping bring an emerging comfort-food franchise to the Augusta area that taps into American diners’ enduring love of cheese.
Keaton is developing two locations for the gourmet-sandwich restaurant Melty – in North Augusta, in the new Beacon Bluff development, and in Aiken Mall.
Melty began in 2012 as Melty Way with locations in Utah, and a couple of years ago it started offering franchises under the shortened name.
The family-friendly style drew Keaton to Melty. He has spent 27 years in the restaurant business with training ranging from entry-level fast food to Paris’ legendary Ritz-Escoffier culinary school.
“I really, really fell in love with the concept, just the simplicity of it, the quality of the food,” he said. “It seemed like a concept that could do well in different settings.”
Drinks or dessert?Lounge on James Brown Boulevard has plenty of both
Melty’s menu is filled with familiar names, but the tastes are new. There is no such item as a “regular” grilled cheese sandwich, at least on the adult menu. The most basic it gets is the double-decker Four Cheese Melt with sharp provolone, Fontina, Havarti and sharp cheddar.
The Jalapeño Popper sandwich adds a spicy kick. Instead of being served open-faced, the Caprese melts fresh, whole-milk mozzarella between toasted bread slices with tomatoes, basil pesto and balsamic glaze with Parmesan crust.
Melty’s Mac and Cheese Bites come with a bowl of tomato soup. Vegetarians aren’t left hanging, either – the restaurant offers other soups, mixed greens, chicken Caesar or chef’s salads. There also are French fries and Tater Tots, which are available without added cheese, but at a place called Melty the fresh cheeses are recommended.
Desserts include the Brookie, a combination brownie and chocolate chip cookie, and hollow Funnel Cake Fries with a choice of cream cheese, chocolate or caramel dipping sauces.
If the phrase “dessert sandwich” piques your interest, try the Bananas Foster Melt, which is a saucy, toasty take on the classic dish.
“It’s just a unique sandwich, but it has great flavor and it’s just something you don’t see,” Keaton said.