If you’re a Marietta local or just passing through to visit our office on Whitlock Avenue, be sure to stop by Marietta Melt Yard Bar & Kitchen for something delicious to eat and drink! Melt Yard is a new retro-style family-friendly restaurant with food truck-inspired cuisine and a playful drink menu. We had a great chat with the owner and brains behind this wonderful new addition to the Burnt Hickory Village Shopping Center.
Q: Tell Us About Yourself.
My name is Matt DeBusschere; I’m a husband and father of four. I’m from Marietta, but I spent sixteen years in Atlanta working in restaurants until I moved back to Marietta about two years ago to start Melt Yard.
Q: Growing Up In Marietta And Now Running A Business In Marietta, What Are Your Thoughts On The Sense Of Community Here?
I tried to find a real sense of community in Atlanta with my family, but it was always a struggle. When we started having more kids, we decided to move back to Marietta. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Marietta embraced us. I’m lucky to have this opportunity to serve my neighbors. It’s nice to be in a quieter place where things are slowed down a bit and I can actually get to know the members of my community. I’m also excited to have my kids grow up where I did. My daughter is now a third-generation Hickory Hills Elementary schooler.
I used to be cynical and thought the suburbs were years behind the city, but now there are plenty of eateries on par with any you can find in Atlanta. That’s what we’re aiming for with Melt Yard. It’s a special place with a fun atmosphere that you don’t have to go all the way to Atlanta for.
Q: How Did You Come Up With The Idea To Start Melt Yard And What Do You Hope To Accomplish With The Restaurant?
I had an idea for a restaurant but was having a hard time getting it off the ground all by myself. Then I met a guy on the playground while watching our kids play together. We started talking and found out that we were both trying to open restaurants. We ended up combining forces and exchanging ideas. Thus, the Melt Yard was born. Now that it’s up and running I want to focus on serving my community and customers to the best of my ability.
Q: What Do You And Your Family Get Up To When You’re Not Running Melt Yard?
We aren’t super mobile with four car seats in the car, so nothing too crazy. We love a good walk in our neighborhood. The kids like to make friends with the other kids they see along the way. Quality time with each other isn’t as available as it used to be now that we have the restaurant, but it’s nice to spend any free time we have together enjoying the little things.For Great Atmosphere And Food Go Visit Matt And The Rest Of The Melt Yard Gang Tuesday-sunday. To See What’s Cooking Visit Their website or Follow Them On instagram and facebook. To Learn More About Matt And Take Advantage Of His Foodie Knowledge Follow His instagram and Give His column in The marietta Daily Journal a Read.
Categories: Community Outreach, Outreach
