Meltz Exteme Grilled Cheese
About us
Steve and Jenni Kenley have lived in Idaho their entire lives. Steve is a web developer for a local company in Meridian and Jenni has been a nurse in the Treasure Valley for over 20 years. The Kenleys have always been a couple with an adventurous spirit. Traveling, trying new foods, and exploring new places are their passions.
In March of 2021, they had gone on a trip to Coeur d’ Alene Idaho to visit their daughter Baylee. Their visit was a special one, as it was their daughter's idea to introduce them to a unique dining experience called Meltz. She had raved about it for months, and it had become a favorite spot for her. Intrigued by her enthusiasm, the Kenleys decided to give it a try.
As they stepped into Meltz, the cozy atmosphere and the mouthwatering aroma instantly greeted them. The restaurant specialized in gourmet “extreme” grilled cheese sandwiches, each one a work of culinary art. There were so many creative combinations and Meltz had something to satisfy every palate.
Steve and Jenni were blown away by the innovative menu and the welcoming staff. But it wasn't just the food that won them over; it was the concept. Meltz was more than just a restaurant; it was an experience. The warm, family-friendly ambiance and the amazing, mouth-watering creations made for an incredible experience.
On their drive back home to the Treasure Valley, Steve and Jenni couldn't shake the idea of bringing Meltz to their own community. They had always dreamt of owning a family business, and this felt like fate knocking on their door. They knew that introducing the Meltz concept to Boise would be a game-changer. When they arrived home, Jenni reached out to the founder/owner of Meltz, Chef Joe McCarthy, to see if he had ever thought about expanding his brand.
In a meeting with Joe and his wife Brianna, Joe said that he had many people approach him over the years, but nobody had ever followed through or seemed like the right fit. Joe and Brianna were excited to partner with the Kenleys to expand the Meltz brand to the Treasure Valley. So Steve and Jenni held a family meeting with their son, Brenden, and their daughter, Baylee, to see if there was any way they could pull off opening a restaurant as a family. The answer from the family was yes, and Meltz Extreme Boise was born.
Over the next year, the family immersed themselves in the restaurant industry. They learned everything they could. Their determination and passion for Meltz were unwavering, and they were determined to make it a reality. They were fortunate enough to have a fantastic mentor in Chef Joe, who was sharing all his culinary expertise with them and guiding them along the way.
In March of 2022, exactly one year after their first visit to Meltz in Coeur d'Alene, Steve and Jenni found themselves signing a lease on a location in Boise. It was a leap of faith, but one they were willing to take. They believed in the power of a grilled cheese.