The grilled cheese sandwich has a back-to-basics appeal as a quick, hot and wholesome meal that really "hits the spot." It’s a comfort food that returns many of us to happy memories of our childhood. Not to mention its irresistible aroma, satisfying sizzle, and pleasing crunch…ahhh!

And now, this humble sandwich has risen to amazing new heights. No longer playing a supporting role side by side with a bowl of tomato soup, the grilled cheese sandwich has become the star of its own show!

Introducing Chedd’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese restaurant, where a grilled cheese sandwich is anything but ordinary. We specialize in a dazzling and delicious variety of grilled cheese sandwiches, offering literally millions of possible combinations. It’s an exciting concept that transforms an icon of home, sweet home, into a delectable dining experience for folks of all ages!

A Comfortable Niche

In addition to serving exceptional food, Chedd’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese fits into today’s dining scene in a big way! Our fabulous features are in line with many of the hottest restaurant trends.

The grilled cheese sandwich has long established its place in our hearts, with popularity that’s sustained throughout the years.[1] Rated among the top ten comfort foods,[2] recent survey results show that Americans have made grilled cheese our sandwich of choice![3]

Customers are also hungering for comfort, seeking things that feel safe, familiar and happy.[4] "Comfort" ranks among the top ten trends in food products today.[5] And it’s taking on new dimensions – slightly upscaled versions of comfort foods are quickly gaining a following.[6] Chedd’s menu gives diners the opportunity to experience an incomparable selection of extraordinary ingredient combinations, turning an old standby into a gourmet delight!

Chedd’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese not only offers the comfort and upscale variety that today’s diners are craving, we deliver it in the increasingly popular fast casual format. The $7 billion fast casual industry[7] is one of the most rapidly growing restaurant categories.[8] And within this segment, sandwich shops are among those that are growing at an even quicker rate.[9] Combine that with the largest growing trend in the sandwich category – hot sandwiches[10] – and you’ve got a triple-decker winner!

[1] Brown, Dayna R. "Dressing up a classic." Copley News Services 23 Dec. 2005

[2] Peterson, Janet. Comfort Food. Meridian Magazine. 20 May, 2006 <http://www.ldsmag.com/aroundthetable/031210comfortfood.html>.

[3] Klugh, Kim. "Grilled cheese pleasers for the grown-up palate." Intelligencer Journal 6 July 2005

[4] Smith, Devlin. What’s Hot: Ice Cream. 25 Aug. 2003. FranchiseZone. 16 June 2004 <http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,310670,00.html>.

[5] Mega Trends that Spell Success. 12 Oct. 2005. Trendline Online. 17 May 2006 <http://www.consumerexpert.org/TrendLine101205.html>.

[6] Sloan, Elizabeth A. What, When and Where America Eats Jan. 2006. Institute of Food Technologists.

[7] Sturgeon, Julie. "Chipotle’s IPO success influences fast-casual growth." Fast Casual 27 Feb. 2006

[8] Riell, Howard. "Meeting Multiple Needs." Frozen Food Age Sept. 2005

[9] Sales to Improve, But Margins Could Be Pinched: IFMA. 20 Sept. 2004. VNU Business Media. 28 March 2005 restaurantbiz.com

[10] Wade, Marcia. "Centered on the plate: whether they are…" Prepared Foods Nov. 2005