Article

Concept watch: Melthouse Bistro

How Milwaukee-based Melthouse Bistro was designed to reflect the "barn to bistro" movement.

January 19, 2012 by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Melthouse Bistro owners Troy and Susan Davis worked with architecture and design firm Kahler Slater to develop their "barn to bistro" restaurant.

The design team worked to develop almost every aspect of the restaurant and developed the menu based on the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board's Grilled Cheese Academy website.

The couple wanted to create a dining environment that was warm, inviting and smart.

The restaurant offers an evolving selection of hand-crafted, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with Wisconsin cheeses, local artisan breads and an array of fresh, all-natural ingredients.

Design elements include:

• A distressed-inspired logo, consisting of the letter “M” and the name Melthouse Bistro enclosed in a stamp-like circle. The restaurant’s staff uses ink and rubber stamps to add the logo to take-out packages.
• Marble countertop reminiscent of an artisan cheeseboard.
• Walls covered with white beadboard and distressed barn wood alongside those painted in barn red and charcoal grey.
• Kraft paper packaging for the food that emphasizes the restaurant’s focus on artisan cheeses.
• A detailed menu provides a description of each sandwich and also suggests a wine and a beer to pair with it.

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