One of the best things about summer is getting the chance to spend the extra long days with family and friends. Usually this involves relaxing by the pool, around the table or even at a local hang out site.  If you’re looking to discover a new go-to-spot in the Avondale Neighborhood we’d like to suggest adding Melt to your list.

When you first enter the restaurant it feels more like stepping into a beachside eatery. From the high back, full gloss, wooden booths to rustic cement floors and assorted retro décor. The laid back vibe makes this vibrant spot the perfect place to hunker down and stay awhile. The constant hustle and bustle feels more like people are stopping in for a bite between excursions rather than breaking during their corporate lunch hour.

When we sat down with co-owner Paget Pizitz, it quickly became clear why Melt is such a neat place to hang out. The incredibly innovative history behind this public hot spot is what we believe has set a foundation to make it special.

“Behind this exceptional eatery is nothing short of sheer passion.”

Paget, started her career as a recruiter for the fashion industry, and later broke out to create a very successful dating service, which later sold to a company in Atlanta. A born entrepreneur, with a passion for making human connections, she now had a new venture in mind.

Just like that, Paget approached her business partner Harriet Despinakis to start a restaurant.

Harriet, who co-founded Ocean and 5 Point Public House, never thought she would be back in a restaurant, much less a food truck. She wasn’t convinced a restaurant was the best move at the time and Paget was able to convinced her to start a food truck instead. All along, Paget’s ultimate vision was to develop a neighborhood eatery but agreed it was clever to start small in order to get to know the community.

When Paget walked around observing the area and its residents she knew they had to be part of the Avondale district in a larger capacity.

At the time, the heart of the area was a vacant garage called Ted’s Gas station. The garage sat empty for four years and was the 3rd restaurant to open in Avondale once this dynamic duo finalized renovations.  Their extraordinary vision saw past the dilapidated station and today, guests can marvel at the converted garage as they sip local brew along with the best pulled pork nachos you ever put in your mouth.

These ladies sever food by the mantra “Classic Food with a Modern Twist” and have been slinging cheese since February 2011.

Stop by for a drink. Stop by to play a board game. Stop by for both. Either way, you’ll wish you done it sooner.