The Melt opens 20th location and plans airport debut

By AI, Created 11:26 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The Melt has reached 20 locations after opening in San Marcos, California, as the fast-casual chain heads into its biggest expansion year yet. The company also plans its first airport location at San Francisco International Airport later in May and says franchising will launch later this year.

Why it matters: - The Melt is scaling faster after six straight years of sales growth and a record 2025, signaling the brand has moved from regional player to an expansion-stage chain. - The planned debut at San Francisco International Airport’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 gives The Melt access to a high-traffic customer base beyond its core neighborhood footprint. - Franchising later this year could accelerate the chain’s footprint well beyond California and Arizona.

What happened: - The Melt opened its 20th location in San Marcos, California. - The fast-casual brand said 2026 is its biggest expansion year yet. - The company has already opened locations in Brea, Torrance and San Marcos. - Seven more locations are planned this year. - The Melt plans a May 2026 opening at SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1, its first airport location.

The details: - The Melt launched three locations in 2025 and entered Arizona for the first time that year. - The company posted more than $58.2 million in revenue in 2025, a record. - Same-store sales rose from $700,000 average unit volume to $3.4 million average unit volume in seven years. - Comparable sales increased 4.6% in 2025, and 80% of that gain came from traffic. - The Melt was named a Top 50 Brand in Fast Casual’s 2025 Top 100 Movers & Shakers. - Nation’s Restaurant News ranked The Melt among the Top 20 Fast Casual Restaurants for Guest Satisfaction. - The Melt holds a 4.7-star average rating across Google and Yelp. - The signature MeltBurger uses more than a third pound of fresh 100% Angus and Wagyu beef with two slices of aged cheddar melted together on the grill. - The menu also includes grilled cheese sandwiches, buttermilk-brined chicken, mac and cheese and hand-spun shakes made with 100% natural ice cream. - The brand was founded in San Francisco in 2011. - The Melt says its menu uses 100% all-natural ingredients and no artificial additives. - The MeltBurger was named the highest rated burger in San Francisco by VinePair.

Between the lines: - The growth story appears to be driven by a mix of strong guest ratings, sales momentum and a menu built around a clear core product. - Airport placement and franchising suggest The Melt is trying to turn local brand strength into a broader national rollout. - CEO Ralph Bower said the company’s focus starts with food quality and that the current pace of openings is faster than ever.

What’s next: - The Melt expects to open seven more locations in 2026. - The company plans to open at SFO in May 2026. - Franchising is slated to launch later this year. - The Melt says the brand is actively expanding across California and Arizona and is preparing for more growth ahead.

The bottom line: - The Melt is using record sales, strong guest satisfaction and a first airport opening to set up its next stage of growth.