In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, host Frank Fiume interviews David Nibley, CEO of Melty, a gourmet grilled cheese franchise that’s turning comfort food into a scalable business. What started as a creative collaboration evolved into full ownership when David—originally the branding partner—bought out the original founders and rebuilt the company from the inside out.
Melty’s concept is simple and powerful: elevated grilled cheese sandwiches, a fun and inviting brand, and a streamlined kitchen process that’s designed for speed and consistency. With his background in graphic design and video production, David gave Melty its visual identity and customer-facing polish. But what truly sets Melty apart is how David and his team dialed in their operations—switching from labor-intensive panini presses to efficient impinger ovens that ensure every sandwich is melty, crispy, and done in under two minutes.
Melty now has two corporate locations and six franchises open across four states, with ten more in development. Franchisees benefit from a tight, simple system, national food distribution, and an approachable investment range (typically around $350K for a second-gen space). Whether it’s a solo operator or a multi-unit group, Melty is built for owners who want quality food, brand consistency, and a team-first culture.
David also shares the lessons he’s learned along the way—from the importance of sticking to the system to why franchising is harder (and more rewarding) than people think. With the sandwich market continuing to grow and grilled cheese delivering both nostalgia and innovation, Melty is poised for national expansion.
October 6, 2025
