Bartoli’s. Peaches (later The Lighthouse). Burger King. The McDonald’s near Cherry Hill (long before the McDonald’s at the 3rd Street Plaza). El Paso (we miss you). The Chinese Restaurant (both next to Suzie Q Bakery). TCBY. Even an ill-fated “Kisses.” In short, Warwood has seen its fair share of temporary food establishments. A common conversation amongst our neighborhood referenced a commonality Warwoodians desperately needed: a designated, sit-down restaurant. We are a proud people with a desire to couple a Warwood-based experience that passes both delicious and affordability tests. Fortunately, for the last three years, we’ve had The Cheese Melt.
Thomas Gilson, owner of The Cheese Melt, has lived several lives. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from then Wheeling Jesuit University in 2006 before working as a juvenile probation officer, a private investigator, a security officer, and even an insurance salesman. After working for a period of time in the southern part of the country, Gilson returned home and met his then wife Tricia. While working in management on a pipeline, the Gilsons honeymooned in Telluride, Colorado. “There was a lady selling grilled cheese out of a cart, and that was genuinely the inspiration,” explains Gilson. Returning home, Gilson purchased a hot dog cart in 2014 and The Cheese Melt was born.
Various transitions, like cart to trailer and trailer to food truck led from loans to opportunity all while gaining a steady following of supporters that were thrilled not only with the concept, but with the prices and selections. In 2018, Leslie Liedel, Gilson’s former history professor, reached out inquiring about the food truck business and soon joined the business after.
Like many local businesses, The Cheese Melt, then stationed at Hightower Brewing, took a hit during the Covid-19 pandemic and faced a revenue loss of around 80k. “It was during 2021 we decided it was time for a more permanent financial solution,” explains Gilson. The location, 1915 Warwood Avenue, was available in 2018, but needed a significant amount of work. After heading back in 2021, Gilson felt it was the right move. The crew operated the food truck out of the side lot while finishing renovations, and Gilson took on Liedel as a shareholder in the business. The partnership allowed for the business not just to survive, but to thrive and grow.
In early 2023, a successful soft opening led to what the general public now has access to 6 days a week. Today, The Cheese Melt is working on expanding. After the business next door, local favorite Making Magic, closed its doors last year, The Cheese Melt had the opportunity to expand. Estimated for mid-April, this new area offers additional seating for 30 and solidifies the restaurant’s presence as a true dine-in experience with both an active, designated bar side as well as full, spacious seating (in addition to the expansive outdoor patio available during warm months). Wheeling Heritage helped support the expansion through their Small Business Development Partnership Grant. “Small business development grants for up to $1,000 are open to organizations or small businesses for projects that contribute to Wheeling’s economic vitality.” The grant sponsored much of the aesthetic additions in the new dining area.
Even before the restaurant expanded, the menu evolved from the staple of delicious variety grilled cheeses and tomato soup to the smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, specialty salads, and delicious appetizers we’ve grown to love (and crave) today. Add in a full bar with beer and cocktail flight opportunities, and The Cheese Melt has given Warwood a substantial spot on the local food scene. And while The Cheese Melt has gone from one employee to 13, the price of the (giant) grilled cheese sandwich has remained $5.00 since 2014. The restaurant, recently named one of “America’s Best Restaurants,” is now a Wheeling staple. Gilson and Liedel express their gratitude not just to the city of Wheeling and beyond, but Warwood specifically: “Warwood is incredibly loyal, and we love being a part of this community,” explains Liedel. “We needed the Warwood community to show up, and they have,” adds Gilson.
Be sure to follow along on their Facebook to stay in-the-know as we head into warmer months!
