Aiken, SC, January 24, 2026

Aiken’s Southside is now home to Melty, a fast-casual restaurant specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Opened on January 23, Melty offers a creative menu with fresh ingredients and supports local economic growth. Located in the new Aiken Towne Park, the restaurant is part of an ongoing revitalization in the area, promoting diverse dining options and job creation. The franchise model of Melty encourages entrepreneurship, contributing to the community’s prosperity as it attracts new residents and businesses.

Aiken Welcomes Innovative Grilled Cheese Concept to Southside

Aiken, SC – The culinary landscape of Aiken’s vibrant Southside has expanded with the recent opening of Melty, a new fast-casual restaurant specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Located in the burgeoning Aiken Towne Park development off Whiskey Road, Melty opened its doors on January 23, offering a fresh option for local diners and signaling continued entrepreneurial vitality in the area.

The arrival of innovative eateries like Melty underscores a positive trend in Aiken’s local economy, showcasing the determination of small businesses and franchisees to offer diverse culinary experiences. This expansion contributes to the economic growth of the Southside, a district experiencing significant investment and redevelopment.

A Taste of Entrepreneurial Innovation

Melty’s journey began in 2012 when Dave and Stephanie Nibley founded the concept with a dedication to elevating the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Their vision centered on fresh ingredients and creative menu offerings, which quickly garnered a loyal following. The success of their initial venture led to expansion through a franchising model, designed to be accessible for entrepreneurs. This approach highlights how entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a well-structured business model, can foster growth and provide opportunities for individuals to achieve personal and business goals.

The franchise structure of Melty emphasizes efficient food preparation processes and comprehensive support for its partners, aiming to ensure a thriving operation for new business owners. This model can attract individuals looking to enter the food industry with a proven system, benefiting both the individual franchisee and the local economy by creating new jobs and services.

Southside’s Economic Revitalization: Aiken Towne Park

Melty’s establishment at 4087 Julep Way, Aiken, SC 29803, places it within the transformative Aiken Towne Park. This substantial mixed-use development is breathing new life into the former Aiken Mall site on Whiskey Road, one of the county’s most traversed thoroughfares. The project by Southeastern Development Associates is designed to integrate retail, residential, and public spaces, creating a dynamic hub for the community.

The Aiken Towne Park redevelopment plan includes approximately 256 Class A multifamily residential units, a hotel site, and 146,000 square feet of retail space, all centered around a new city park. The first residential units are anticipated to be ready by December 2025. This type of private investment in large-scale developments is crucial for stimulating Aiken SC business growth, attracting new residents, and diversifying the commercial offerings. Other businesses, such as Chicken Salad Chick and Tropical Smoothie, have also recently opened in Aiken Towne Park, indicating a strong commercial interest in this revitalized area.

Melty’s Menu: Beyond the Classic

The menu at Melty goes beyond a simple grilled cheese, offering a range of gourmet options that blend traditional comfort food with innovative flavors. The selection includes various grilled cheese sandwiches, complemented by soups, salads, and desserts. This diverse offering aims to cater to a wide array of tastes, reinforcing the appeal of a fast-casual dining experience focused on quality ingredients.

Aiken’s Economic Trajectory and the Role of Small Business

The opening of businesses like Melty contributes to the broader narrative of Midlands economic growth in South Carolina. Aiken County has seen ongoing efforts to foster a stable economic base through attracting investment and a diverse mix of businesses. Organizations focused on economic development in the Western South Carolina region work to support existing industries and attract new facilities, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and community insight in fostering a thriving business environment.

The continued development along Whiskey Road and the success of small businesses and franchisees like Melty illustrate the positive impact of entrepreneurial spirit on local economies. When communities embrace and support new ventures, they create a ripple effect of job creation, increased consumer choice, and enhanced community vibrancy.

Looking Ahead: Supporting Aiken’s Future

The addition of Melty to Aiken’s Southside is more than just a new place to eat; it represents another chapter in our city’s ongoing economic development. It showcases the viability of Aiken small business and the positive outcomes when private investment and entrepreneurial vision align. As Aiken continues its path of growth, supporting these local ventures is essential for maintaining the momentum and ensuring a prosperous future for all residents.

We encourage our readers to visit Melty and experience their unique grilled cheese offerings, and to continue supporting the many local businesses that are the backbone of Aiken’s robust economy. Engaging with and investing in these enterprises helps build a stronger, more resilient community for everyone in Aiken and across South Carolina entrepreneurs.

FAQ Section

Q: What is Melty and what kind of food does it serve?
A: Melty is a new fast-casual restaurant specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. They offer various grilled cheese options, along with soups, salads, and desserts.

Q: Where is the new Melty restaurant located in Aiken, SC?
A: Melty is located at 4087 Julep Way, Aiken, SC 29803, within the Aiken Towne Park development on the Southside off Whiskey Road.

Q: When did Melty open in Aiken?
A: Melty opened its doors in Aiken on January 23.

Q: What is Aiken Towne Park?
A: Aiken Towne Park is a mixed-use development redeveloping the former Aiken Mall site on Whiskey Road. It will include retail, multi-family units, a hotel site, and a new city park.

Q: Who founded the Melty concept?
A: Melty was founded in 2012 by Dave and Stephanie Nibley.

Q: Are there other businesses in Aiken Towne Park?
A: Yes, other businesses such as Chicken Salad Chick and Tropical Smoothie have also opened in Aiken Towne Park.

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Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.