Sarasota

Melt Launching Family-Owned Smash Burger Spot in Sarasota

The team plans to continue evolving the concept after launch with new menu additions.

Image courtesy of MELT.

SARASOTA, FL — Melt, a locally owned smash burger, fries and shakes restaurant from Omar Alnadi, his brother and owner Zack Alnadi, and their father, Abe Alnadi, is targeting a July 15 soft opening at 8420 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34243.

A grand opening is planned for August 15 if the timeline stays on track, Omar Alnadi told Business Debut in a phone interview.

What to Expect

Melt will be an upscale fast-casual restaurant with ordering kiosks, an exposed kitchen, counter seating and dining tables. Alnadi said guests will be able to watch the food being made in front of them.

The space will include murals and design details tied to Sarasota, including references to palm trees, Exit 213 and the Skyway Bridge, Alnadi told Business Debut. Zack Alnadi is leading the design and mural work, while Abe Alnadi has supported the project and helped guide construction.

The 1,600-square-foot space will seat about 35 guests inside, with two outdoor tables, Alnadi told Business Debut.

Melt will focus on smash burgers, fries and shakes, with a small menu built around made-to-order items. Alnadi said the restaurant will serve regular fries, loaded fries, classic shakes and rotating limited-time specials, including a featured smash burger, loaded fry flavor and shake flavor.

“Everything’s going to be made to order, so everything’s going to be freshly made,” Alnadi told Business Debut. The restaurant will also serve hand-battered chicken tenders, with liquid nitrogen ice cream expected to be added later.

Alnadi said Melt is meant to feel local rather than corporate. “Melt is a big milestone for me personally and my little brother Zack,” he told Business Debut. “We grew up here. We went to school here. We’re both born and raised here.”