Bay Area-based fast-casual brand The Melt is implementing a major growth strategy across Southern California this year, with plans to open eight new locations, according to a release.
Currently, the brand has 18 units, including 11 in Northern California, six in Southern California and two in Arizona.
The Southern California expansion will kick off with a new location at Brea Mall, slated to open Feb. 10. The expansion will include several spots previously reported on by What Now Los Angeles, including a location slated to open at Del Amo Fashion Center in. Torrance (which is expected to open in the spring) as well as locations in Long Beach (slated for fall) and Hollywood Park (expected to open in the summer).
Additional Los Angeles locations will include spots in Burbank, Monterey Park and UCLA:
- 152 E Palm Avenue, Burbank (slated for early 2026)
- 2020 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park (slated for summer)
- UCLA Westwood, 931 Westwood. Blvd, Los Angeles (planned for fall)
A San Marcos site in San Diego County will open in the spring.
“Southern California has been incredibly receptive to The Melt’s approach to premium fast-casual dining, and this expansion allows us to bring our handcrafted comfort food to even more guests across the region,” CEO Ralph Bower said in the release. “These eight new restaurants represent our commitment to serving bold, craveable food made with 100% natural ingredients at convenient locations that fit seamlessly into our guests’ lives. Our guests love what we’re doing and the momentum we’re seeing tells us consumers are hungry for melty comfort food that doesn’t compromise on quality.”
The Melt is known for its MeltBurger — made with 100% Angus and Wagyu beef with aged cheddar — as well as sandwiches, melts, mac n cheese and shakes.
This expansion will bump the brand’s presence in Southern California from six to 14 locations by the end of the year.
“At the end of the day, our success comes down to one thing: guests who walk in and immediately feel at home,” Bower said in the release. “Whether it’s UCLA students grabbing a late-night MeltBurger or families stopping by after shopping at the mall, we’re building something that fits into people’s real lives. We know what we do well — premium burgers, genuine hospitality and creating moments that keep people coming back — and Southern California is ready for more of that.”
