A few years back, in a bar in their hometown of Cincinnati, longtime friends Eric Powell and Trevor Snowden sat sipping beers, discussing their futures. Both were working reasonably good, albeit unsatisfying corporate jobs. Having long discussed opening a restaurant - a shared passion - they started brainstorming ideas. A few beers later, they landed on grilled cheese. Not just any grilled cheese of course, but a "grown up" version. They talked about using gourmet cheeses and other high quality ingredients. They would create unique sandwiches and one-of-a-kind combinations.

It seemed like a great idea, but aren't restaurants supposed to be risky? That's what everyone had been telling them. The doubters got the best of them and they started exploring a more "sensible" path - buy an existing business. They looked at all kinds of franchises and nearly bought a bar.

When the bar deal fell through, they set out the next day to look at a few available franchise restaurant businesses. Nothing excited them. Even if the business made money, they realized they would be peddling an inferior and often horribly unhealthy product. They drove away disillusioned.

On the drive back, the grilled cheese topic came up again. They both loved it and knew they could pour effort into it passionately. The decision was made. Risk be damned! From that point forward, they worked tirelessly to develop the Meltworks concept.