That's one powerful sandwich

Someone must have been a really big fan of Glee‘s Grilled Cheesus episode.

VentureBeat is reporting that Jonathan Kaplan, who previously founded the company behind the Flip camera, is starting a chain of grilled cheese sandwich and soup restaurants. “Good for him, grilled cheese is awesome,” you may be thinking. And yes, grilled cheese and soup is an awesome combination, but we’re not sure if it’s $10 million good. Someone at Sequoia is though – they’ve given Kaplan enough money to open 20 stores, which cost between $500,000 and $1 million to open.

Well, at least it’s better than Milanoo.

Seriously, the famed venture capitalists (who’ve funded companies like Google and Apple) probably got involved more for the mobile food aspect. The Melt – great name, by the way – is aiming to push users to ordering and paying via phone, where they’ll receive a QR code that can be redeemed at the restaurant. The Melt will have five restaurants in the San Francisco area by November with plans to open 500 locations over the next 5 years.

We know that food trucks are a big driver of mobile payments, so the premise doesn’t sound far fetched but we think the real money would be in the ordering technology. The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen generated plenty of excitement in San Francisco last May, so it’s not that there’s anything wrong with the menu, but as delicious as they can be grilled cheese sandwiches everyday would probably get old (not to mention a bit unhealthy). Being able to get in and out of a restaurant with a QR code during the lunch time rush actually sounds pretty good, but only if it’s an option for the times when someone is in the mood for salad or a burger or anything else besides grilled cheese and soup.

If it catches on, maybe The Melt will be the case study for the technology, but that’s where our faith in this idea lies.

Sorry Grilled Cheesus.

Gibson is a Grilled Cheese Invitational champ!

Nostalgic Californians craving the kind of buttery, gooey sandwiches they enjoyed as kids are sure to love The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, which opened Friday in San Francisco. A few logistical problems delayed the restaurantâ€s much anticipated debut, but partners Heidi Gibson and Nate Pollak are now welcoming customers for weekday lunch service from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. {Inside Scoop SF}

Gibson is a Grilled Cheese Invitational Champ, so patrons of this eco-friendly luncheon can expect a gourmet menu. Sandwiches range from classics like the Mousetrap (white cheddar, havarti and Monterey jack) to original combos like the Turkey Havarti (havarti, smoked turkey, ancho chili jam, arugula and pickled red onions) and the Piglet (white cheddar, ham, apple mustard and rosemary butter). Bread for the sandwiches is outsourced from Pinkieâ€s Bakery, and The American also offers homemade sodas from a vintage tap, with flavors like spicy pomegranate varying daily, as well as wine and beer. Prices range from $6-$10 for grilled cheeses. {DailyCandy}

In June, Gibson and Pollak will begin serving breakfast and dinner to patrons of their Second Street and South Park eatery, which offers seating inside as well as on their Second Street patio. Formerly a tobacco warehouse that required a redesign by these grilled cheese gurus, The American holds about 35 chairs for guests.

Eater.com predicts it will be tremendously popular and crowded, and we agree. Who wouldnâ€t flock to a lunchtime refuge that offers top notch versions of such a classic sandwich? Check out their mouthwatering menu here!