Article By Peter Roos
That was the thought process Chefs Robert Hesse and Craig Munroe had when they launched Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz last March. And believe this, they have taken America’s ultimate comfort food to a whole new level.
Last March, we spoke with co-founder Craig Munroe to discuss an introductory cover story in our April 2020 edition, and he explained their plan to release this amazing new concept to the world. He told us that they were starting with a state-of-the-art food truck that was already booked for over $500,000 in business for 2020 doing festivals and onsite lunches at car dealerships. They also acquired and were beginning a complete remodel of the old “Fetishes” building at 6305 Gulf Boulevard for their first brick and mortar location. They planned to be great corporate citizens, starting a foundation for underprivileged children called “No Kid 86’d”.
Then the pandemic hit! It seemed that if they had tried to find a worse time to start their business, they just could not have. Chef Robert Hesse and Craig Munroe have both faced ridiculous odds alone before and come out ok, so they felt they could surely do it together. They were right too! Looking back, from our vantage point a year later, they have much to be proud of.
Everything has happened as they predicted it would, just a bit later.
The Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz food truck sat in front of Mastry’s Brewery for months after it appeared in Paradise NEWS, delivering food to our readers, even while other restaurants were shut down. They also took the initiative during the beginning of the Pandemic to take care of everyone the best way they knew how, by handing out free Meltz every Friday. Initially they invited all out of work hospitality employees and local musicians, two industries crushed by the pandemic, to come down and get dinner on them. Soon after, they decided to open it up to anyone in need. “We felt it was our duty to give back to the people whose livelihoods were severely impacted.” said Craig.
When the brick and mortar store opened in August of 2020, it was off to the races. “We’ve made a profit every month, even after giving 2% of gross sales to our “No Kid 86’d Foundation” said Craig, although December was “touch-and-go until Christmas week.” This year, for the Super Bowl, there was a food truck “food court” set up for fans for 7 days prior to the game, and “we had a waiting line 12-hours-a-day for a week straight,” said Robert. “It was actually our first major event on the truck because everything else we had booked last year was cancelled. Our staff killed it and the week was a huge success.” Craig explained.
What’s up for 2021? “We just launched an expanded menu, added two new sandwiches, Parmageddon and What’s Beef, and also added “Wangz” to the menu.” Robert told us, “We have multiple original sauces but we’re super proud to offer the 10k PB&J Wangz because those are the ones I used to beat Bobby Flay!”
The location is open weekdays from 11am-11pm and weekends 11am-3am.
They also shared with us some big news that they are already working on their second brick and mortar location, opening soon in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. Keep an eye on their website www.FOCHEEZY.com or social media #FOCHEEZY for dates and times of special grand opening events.
“Our goal is simply to create true Chef inspired comfort food… to bring home-cooked classics to life in an all-new way… as an experience, not just a meal” says Chef Robert Hesse. “Creating these experiences requires attention to detail and the highest level of care. The creations at FO’CHEEZY TWISTED MELTZ are crafted using only the highest quality of ingredients. While many tend to follow the latest trends, FO’CHEEZY strives to set the trends with these innovative, one-of-a-kind MELTZ. From street to table, it all comes together from real people N’ real chefs who care. So come experience Craft Food in a truly unique mobile form!”
If you love it, you can become a “Melt Mob Black Card Member” for a one-time $50 payment and get discounts and BOGO deals everyday. And 25% goes to the kids. JUST SAY HOOK ME UP WITH THE MELT MOB! Call 727-827-7677 to order NOW! Ask about curbside pick-up or delivery.