Chef Joe McCarthy, renowned as the Grilled Cheese Maestro, commenced his culinary journey within the realm of fine dining. Armed with a diploma from the New England Culinary Institute, his impressive track record spans esteemed establishments across New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Aspen. Grilled cheese, under his masterful touch, has evolved into a blank canvas where his ingenuity captures global flavors. Enthusiastic devotees of his work accompany him on epicurean escapades to diverse locales like Peru, Canada, Korea, China, and Mexico. These delectable standout sandwiches have not only garnered local praise but have also clinched national acclaim. In 2018, Meltz was crowned the best grilled cheese in Idaho by USA Today. People magazine echoed this sentiment in 2019, hailing the Cubano as Idaho's finest sandwich. On the local front, accolades from the North Idaho Business Journal for Best Sandwich, back-to-back acknowledgments for best fast-casual dining in North Idaho from the Spokane Guild, and the Inlander's recognition for Best Mac and Cheese further solidify his culinary prowess. For those yet to experience Meltz, you have been missing out.

Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese was borne out of a desire to spend more time at home with his wife and two young boys. Having traveled for over ten years cooking for various race car teams, it was time to be off the road. At home, Joe realized quickly that he needed a creative outlet. Aware of Idahoans' penchant for hearty fare like meat and potatoes, he saw potential in creating a grilled cheese concept and took the leap of faith to spread his entrepreneurial wings. The menu showcases both signature creations and beloved classics. The Potsticker, a recipient of the 2013 National Grilled Cheese Award, stands as a tried-and-true favorite, showcasing how the addition of cheese can elevate Asian cuisine. When traversing new territories, Joe seeks flavors that might be unfamiliar to locals but worth exploring. The "Extreme" sandwich category showcases a fusion of starches, proteins, and sauces, resulting in a harmonious culinary symphony.

Joe's triumph is rooted in his commitment to crafting most recipes in-house. His dedicated staff take ownership and meticulous attention to details. Through profit-sharing, the core team is invested in their shared mission: "To provide the Ultimate Hospitality and Grilled Cheese Experience." This focus has remained unwavering for over a decade. Every review is responded to so that guests know their comments are heard. Many reviews are discussed during weekly staff meetings, occasionally leading to process or ingredient changes based on customer insights.

The signature hashtag #fanzrule, reflects the importance of the guests to the success of the Meltz. While devoted “regulars” might lament when a beloved sandwich exits the menu—often due to seasonality, like the summery Huckleberry Heaven—it pushes them to try new culinary creations expanding their palette. Monetary tips are distributed among all staff, a unique practice that elevates guest care and operational mindfulness. As Joe aptly states, "Hospitality as a field is not respected to the degree that it should and yet everyone ones to eat out.” Selfies, smiles, and glowing reviews collectively affirm the appreciation for Chef Joe's creation. The unveiling of a new featured sandwich, salad, dip, or soup follows a deliberate and thoughtful process, fueling an undeniable energy when crafting new recipes and flavor profiles. As Joe proudly declares, "This is our passion. Welcome to Meltz!"