Joe Duong’s Melt, which opened July 6, does not look much like his widely hailed Cypress favorite, The Shack Burger Resort. Patrons will not find food trucks parked on the property or tables to dine at within a massive barn.

What they will find is a 1,000-square-foot restaurant with funky artwork adorning the walls similar to his other eateries and distinct menu items that push the limit of a traditional grilled cheese sandwich.

Duong and his managing partner, Daniel Wagner, said the Brie Melt—a mango chutney, Brie and bacon sandwich—and the Mo Chicken Mo Waffle—a grilled cheese with fried chicken between two waffles—are among the more popular of the 22 menu options.

If these options fail to satisfy a diner’s cravings, a grilled cheese between two doughnuts is also on the menu.

Despite the numerous exotic options, Duong said he prefers the most simple of orders.

“I’m a very traditional guy; I like the basic grilled cheese,” he said.

After perfecting Melt’s inaugural location on Telge Road, Duong and Wagner have plans to expand. The duo is looking to open several more Melt locations within the year, including at Towne Lake, Bridgeland and Fairfield.

“That’s the small number,” Wagner said. “The ultimate goal is to maybe franchise it out.”

Duong has a long list of ideas for restaurants he wants to open in Cypress, including an oldschool German beer hall and a food truck park with each individual truck offering different dining concepts.

Until those ideas come to fruition, the duo promises to continue surprising diners with flavorful combinations, and weekly and monthly specials.

“This is a grease-in-your-face, with bacon-in-everything kind of place,” Duong said. “You can wear your flip-flops and shorts and go grab a snow cone next door.”