San Francisco-based restaurant chain The Melt, which serves artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and mac and cheese, made its Houston debut on Nov. 21 with the opening of its restaurant at 700 Baybrook Mall Drive, Ste. D-123, Friendswood, on The Lawn at Baybrook Mall. The chain prides itself on being a natural fast-food alternative by serving sodas without high fructose corn syrup, aged cheeses, angus and wagyu beef patties, fresh-baked buns, seasonal produce and soft serve ice cream made with only five ingredients. The chain anticipates opening three more Houston area locations in 2017. (281) 715-0657. www.themelt.com