News

Survey: Grilled cheese sandwiches not just for kids

April 3, 2014

Research from a new study proves that grilled cheese sandwiches don't just belong in kids' meals. In celebration of National Grilled Cheese Month, Cheeseboy, a multi-unit grilled cheese restaurant concept, released findings from its inaugural American Grilled Cheese Survey that found that 86 percent of U.S. adults have eaten at least one grilled cheese sandwich in the past year. The study surveyed 2,033 adults and was conducted online by Harris Poll, on behalf of Cheeseboy, in March 2014, according to a company press release.

Within the 86 percent of Americans who ate grilled cheese sandwiches in the past year, 30 percent did so at least once a month, according to the data, which reported that more than one-third of Americans (37 percent) purchased grilled cheese outside the home in the past year. Michael Inwald, Cheeseboy's president and founder, expects that number to increase as grilled cheese-related restaurants continue to build market share within the restaurant industry. Additionally, nearly seven out of 10 adults who purchased grilled cheese outside the home did so for themselves, suggesting that grilled cheese is making its way from the kids' menu to the main stage.

"After we opened the first quick-service grilled cheese restaurant in 2009, we experienced first-hand the passion that Americans have for grilled cheese," Inwald said. "We believe that consumer perception of grilled cheese is changing at a rapid pace, and we forecast widespread adoption of the product outside the home in the coming years."

In addition to the survey, Cheeseboy will commemorate National Grilled Cheese Month with its fourth annual Free Grilled Cheese Day on April 25. Consumers will receive a free Cheeseboy "Classic" — made with white farm co-op American cheese and all-natural artisan bread. No purchase will be necessary to receive the free sandwich.

"Free Grilled Cheese Day was started as our way of saying thank you to our loyal guests and it has also become an opportunity for newcomers to try our food and experience Cheeseboy for the first time," Inwald said. "We're fortunate and grateful to have so many passionate fans of our food and it brings our company no greater joy than to recognize them through this annual event."