According to documents submitted to the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality, The Melt is targeting the space currently occupied by Five Guys within the Grand Plaza Shopping Center. While the company has yet to confirm the move publicly, the filings signal a strong interest in establishing a presence in North County's second-largest city.
If the deal moves forward, this would mark The Melt's fourth San Diego County location, joining existing restaurants in La Jolla’s The Shops at La Jolla Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Known for its indulgent take on American classics, The Melt serves an array of MeltBurgers made with Angus and Wagyu beef, grilled cheese sandwiches, crispy chicken, tomato soup, mac and cheese, fries, and milkshakes - with an emphasis on locally sourced, sustainably raised ingredients whenever possible.
Founded in 2011 by Jonathan Kaplan, the entrepreneur behind Flip Video, The Melt grew quickly across California before streamlining operations to focus on its home state. The brand has embraced a tech-forward approach in its kitchens, which the company says improves consistency and speed while maintaining quality. Beyond San Diego, The Melt has been expanding across the West, with new locations announced for Long Beach, Hollywood Park, and Arizona State University’s Novus Innovation Corridor.
Grand Plaza Shopping Center offers the brand a high-traffic location anchored by major retailers such as Nordstrom Rack, Best Buy, and BevMo. Situated just off Highway 78 and near California State University San Marcos, the plaza draws a steady mix of students, commuters, and local shoppers, making it a natural fit for The Melt’s quick, satisfying comfort food.
The Melt is expected to open in 2026 at 151 S Las Posas Road, Suite 170, in San Diego's North County city of San Marco. For more information, visit themelt.com.
If the deal moves forward, this would mark The Melt's fourth San Diego County location, joining existing restaurants in La Jolla’s The Shops at La Jolla Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Known for its indulgent take on American classics, The Melt serves an array of MeltBurgers made with Angus and Wagyu beef, grilled cheese sandwiches, crispy chicken, tomato soup, mac and cheese, fries, and milkshakes - with an emphasis on locally sourced, sustainably raised ingredients whenever possible.
Founded in 2011 by Jonathan Kaplan, the entrepreneur behind Flip Video, The Melt grew quickly across California before streamlining operations to focus on its home state. The brand has embraced a tech-forward approach in its kitchens, which the company says improves consistency and speed while maintaining quality. Beyond San Diego, The Melt has been expanding across the West, with new locations announced for Long Beach, Hollywood Park, and Arizona State University’s Novus Innovation Corridor.
Grand Plaza Shopping Center offers the brand a high-traffic location anchored by major retailers such as Nordstrom Rack, Best Buy, and BevMo. Situated just off Highway 78 and near California State University San Marcos, the plaza draws a steady mix of students, commuters, and local shoppers, making it a natural fit for The Melt’s quick, satisfying comfort food.
The Melt is expected to open in 2026 at 151 S Las Posas Road, Suite 170, in San Diego's North County city of San Marco. For more information, visit themelt.com.
Originally published on August 8, 2025. Information first reported by Joey Reams of What Now.
