Melton's Reopens to Packed House

Melton's App and Tap reopened Dec. 30 following due to a rat problem that at one point left its continued survival in question. With fresh new coats of paint, a new brick wall facing Pet Supermarket--the source of the rat problem--and seats filled with appreciative diners, Melton's is back in top form.

Though they were slated to open at 4 pm, they opened their doors a little early and were immediately busy. A line eight deep waited to get a seat at 4:10 pm. Each stool at the bar was already full at 4 as well. By 4:15 pm, the house was already halfway full. Waiters greeted their customers, reuniting with the faithfuls, and at one point someone began a round of applause for the restaurant.

Aside from the aesthetic changes in the dining rooms, the only other noticeable difference is that some drinks are being served from cans or bottles for now until drink machines are restarted. The menus contain inserts thanking customers for their patience and support.

Sabra Hanson and Jerry Holladay are Melton’s regulars who have been coming to the restaurant since it first opened in 1994. They were not immediately sure what they would order to inaugurate their visit to the reopening.

“I like the Philly nachos,” Hanson said. “But it’s hard to decide.”

Holladay agreed about the nachos. “Although, they have a lot of things here that are good,” he added.

Hanson also said Melton’s is the only bar within walking distance for her and that she's always liked it because of that.

Marcus Owens has been coming to Melton’s since he moved to Atlanta two and a half years ago, bringing his girlfriend Megan Robertson along with him. They attended the reopening with Kristen Glaze, who is visiting town for the holidays.

Owens’ favorite things about Melton’s, he said, are the chicken tenders and the atmosphere. He was also active in the social media campaign to help Melton's, which centered around a Facebook group called Keep Melton's Open that served as a place for fans to talk about the restaurant and how to help it. (The logo of the group has now changed to reflect the reopening.)

“I hopped on Facebook as soon as I found out what happened,” he said. “I tried to get involved with whatever was going on to try and let them know they have support. I heard they were thinking of not opening again and that wasn’t going to work for me.”

Owner Aaron Melton said in an interview with WSB-TV that the whole ordeal with the rat problem took about six to seven months and at least $250,000. However, as he circled the restaurant and stopped to greet every table, he looked very happy to have his business open again.

Along with throngs of supporters who returned on reopening day, Melton's has another prize: a perfect 100 rating on a county health inspection dated Dec. 29, as shared by Staci Abrams Melton on Facebook.