Celebrity Chef Robert Hesse and local restaurateur, Craig Munroe Launch Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz against all odds!
Celebrity Chef Robert Hesse, a fierce competitor on the fifth and sixth seasons of Hell’s Kitchen, has teamed with local restaurateur, Craig Munroe to launch Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz. This innovative new concept features what the creatorsdescribe as Chef Driven Grilled Cheese or “Meltz.” The team has already launched their state-of-the-art food truck and is preparing to open their first brick and mortar location on St. Pete Beach this month. The permanent location will serve St. Pete Beach and the surrounding area while the truck travels the country. If all goes as planned, franchising will follow with the intention to serve their delicious “Meltz” to the rest of the world.
At the end of 2019, Craig abruptly closed his A Slice Of New York to “concentrate on this new partnership.” Over the last few months, modifications have been in process at the old Fetishes building, located at 6305 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach. It will become the first of many locations for America’s newest and hottest food concept.
Speaking with Chef Hesse, he explained that the food truck was designed by chefs, for chefs and has the ability to handle events of any size. It was scheduled to appear at major events throughout Tampa Bay and several events nationwide until they were all cancelled due to precautions against virus spread. In March, when dine-in restaurants were told to temporarily close, they quickly teamed up with Mastry’s Brewing Co., 7701 Blind Pass Rd. in an effort to help both businesses keep their staff employed.
“Opening a new restaurant is never easy” said Craig, “but in a time of global pandemic fears, when authorities are declaring the beach is off limits, its especially difficult.”
The good news is, people are lining up at the food truck (with appropriate social distancing of course) and some are taking home a six-pack of Mastry’s beer with their food.
“We purchased cases of their delicious ‘Serve-Ace-Ahhh’ lager and are offering free six-packs with food orders over $50. It is the least we could do to thank Mastry’s Brewing for letting us park in front of their location,” Craig added. The truck has been open 7 days a week for carry-out and has been offering delivery to homes and businesses throughout St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island at no extra charge.
Chef Hesse explains that “this menu was designed for the masses with the intent to provide a gourmet experience without gourmet prices.”
Hesse, who has spent the better part of his long career in fine dining, said that the most impactful advice he ever received while working for the infamous Gordon Ramsay was “If you feed the elite, you will live among the masses; If you feed the masses, you can live among the elite.” These words have driven his passion to launch a concept that does just that. Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz menu is the height of creativity with chef-inspired gourmet Twisted Meltz with names like: Juke Box Gyro, Mac N’ Rib, Frito Pie with beef chili, Buffalo Mother Clucker, War Pig, Big Poppa and That’s My Dawg, priced $8 – $12. Add a side of Crispy Tots dusted with Parmesan Herb and Dope Sauce for $5 or upgrade with Truffles, Smoked Bacon and more. You can also try their FoCheezy Mac N’ Cheese with a parmesan herb tater chip crust and Smoked Gouda for $6, or Slap Yo’ Mama Mater Soup with sharp cheddar and Cheezy herb croutons for $4. There’s Creamy slaw for $3 and Backdraft Beef Chili for $5. Their hand-crafted desserts like the Damn Skippy and Dough Boyz are available for $6.
While speaking with the partners, we also learned about their real ambition and the alternative motive behind the new concept. “I grew up right here in Childs Park” said Hesse, “I was taken from my parents at a young age and moved from foster home to foster home. I got addicted to drugs, did all the wrong things and ended up in jail. I was given a second chance and it allowed me to find my passion for cooking. With the success I’ve obtained, I want to return the favor and give back to the kids in our community that otherwise might never get that second chance.” They are doing just that. “We have launched a new foundation named after a very familiar restaurant term.” said Craig. “No Kid 86’d is a charity that will focus on providing local kids with opportunities they might not have access to in this trying world. From college grants to career counseling, our goal is to offer them an alternative to what can often end up being a bleak future.” The company has already committed to donating 2% of their Gross Sales to their charity and plans to put on many events to raise money for the cause.
The FO’CHEEZY “FO-LOSOPHY” is to set trends rather than follow them. With these innovative, one-of-a-kind MELTZ they seem to be hitting that goal. How they do it all is hard to imagine. Chef Hesse has also been working weekdays helping to launch the Social Roost in downtown St. Pete.
While the virus fears have interfered with the anticipated arrival of kitchen equipment and branded disposable items coming from overseas, Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz location at 6305 Gulf Blvd still plans to open early in May. In the meantime, look for the food truck, which may still be in front of Mastry’s Brewing Co., call for delivery at 727-498-3205. You can also check them out at www.focheezy.com or find them on social media.