When Julie and Chris Edmondson decided to follow their longtime dream of opening their own business, they figured people always need and want food - and love for grilled cheese sandwiches is practically universal. So they ordered a custom food truck from Washington, D.C., specially made for making grilled cheeses, and Grate Melts first appeared at the Collegedale Market this past July.
"We wanted to have a simple food we could do really well," Julie Edmondson said, adding that she and her husband also wanted something that would appeal to the whole family, from grandma to the young picky eater.
Grilled cheese sandwiches fit the bill perfectly, and they set out to craft the best possible versions of the classic staple using premium ingredients.
They partner with local businesses such as Bluff View Bakery, which supplies Grate Melts' sourdough bread, and The Chef and His Wife, which makes the smoked Gouda pimiento cheese used in the truck's popular pimiento grilled cheese, to provide some of their top-quality ingredients.
Customers build their own sandwiches from a selection of cheese and meat options such as brisket, pulled pork and fried bologna, as well as toppings including pickled onions, pesto, tomatoes and jalapeno.
Contributed photo by Julie Edmondson / Grate Melts Mobile Grill often visits local businesses, such as EPB, to serve its gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to employees. The business also parks at local farmers markets, festivals and events.Edmondson said her favorite combo is the smoked Gouda pimiento cheese with roasted chicken and tomato.
"You'd think I'd get tired of grilled cheese, but I would eat that sandwich every day," she said with a laugh.
Grate Melts is family owned and operated, with Chris' son Jacob Edmondson also part of their crew along with head cook James Evans.
While the Ooltewah residents started out and built a following at the Collegedale Market, they plan to be at the Chattanooga Market during its Christmas market and all next season. They also visit a lot of different businesses, festivals and other events, and post where they'll be next on the business's Facebook page at facebook.com/gratemeltsmobilegrill.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.