HISTORIC HOLLYWOOD BRAND
Established in 1947, Mels Drive-In is the most famous drive-in and diner in the world and is considered a fixture of American contemporary life. Although established as part of the California culture much earlier, Mels iconic American brand status was fully realized in the 1973 comedy-drama "American Graffiti" directed by George Lucas and produced by Francis Ford Coppola.
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Read MoreOne would assume that inspiring a George Lucas film would be enough. However, in addition to American Graffiti, Mels has also been credited with inspiring two incredibly successful TV shows, ABC’s “Happy Days”, featuring “Arnold’s Drive-In” and CBS’s “Alice” featuring the similarly named ”Mels Diner.” Mels Next Generation brand position known world-wide. We serve up the finest meals and baked goods in the industry, consistently recognized for our quality, customer service, and vision. We’re moving full steam ahead to bring even more excitement to markets nationwide.
ALL AMERICAN MENU
Mels Drive-In locations consistently present a truly memorable dining experience. We give our guests a glimpse of a great period of American history by immersing them in tasteful “Googie Architecture", chrome accents, vinyl seating, vintage cars, Hollywood Stars, and golden oldies on the jukebox.
However, decades of Mels loyalist know that Mels is far more than a shiny object. It’s our iconic menu that keeps them coming back for more!
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Read MoreOne would assume that inspiring a George Lucas film would be enough. However, in addition to American Graffiti, Mels has also been credited with inspiring two incredibly successful TV shows, ABC’s “Happy Days”, featuring “Arnold’s Drive-In” and CBS’s “Alice” featuring the similarly named ”Mels Diner.” Mels Next Generation brand position known world-wide. We serve up the finest meals and baked goods in the industry, consistently recognized for our quality, customer service, and vision. We’re moving full steam ahead to bring even more excitement to markets nationwide.
ADDITION TO ANY PORTFOLIO
Mels Drive-In is franchising… and is a highly sustainable addition to any portfolio. With the assistance of qualified local restaurateurs, we are sharing the limelight with multiple locations in San Francisco and Los Angeles as well as locations at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Singapore.
ICONIC BRAND WITH ROOM TO GROW
Mels Drive-In has always had a broad appeal attracting people of all ages and walks of life. We welcome countless regulars, families, and tourists from around the world on a daily basis. However, it's no accident that our most active and dedicated fans are local Millennials and late-night singles.
SPECIALIZED COLLABORATION
Our leadership, location development, and training teams will work directly with you to effectively create and operate a distinctive restaurant business with multiple day parts and dine-in, pickup, delivery, catering, and private party revenues.
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Read MoreOne would assume that inspiring a George Lucas film would be enough. However, in addition to American Graffiti, Mels has also been credited with inspiring two incredibly successful TV shows, ABC’s “Happy Days”, featuring “Arnold’s Drive-In” and CBS’s “Alice” featuring the similarly named ”Mels Diner.” Mels Next Generation brand position known world-wide. We serve up the finest meals and baked goods in the industry, consistently recognized for our quality, customer service, and vision. We’re moving full steam ahead to bring even more excitement to markets nationwide.
NEXT GEN BRAND
Next Gen Mels keeps to the spirit of our classic American diner and home style cooking alive and well. We do so by serving quality food prepared under immaculate conditions, in a courteous and cheerful manner. Thanks to the influence of our third-generation owners Colton and Chasen Weiss. We do so with their complete understanding of social media, Millennial pursuits, purpose and purchasing power.
Their insight on on-trending positioning, cutting edge technology, stellar operations supervision, and an unmatched digital presence.
UNIVERSAL APPEAL
There is a reason why Mels Drive-in restaurants have held parties for Arnold Schwarzenegger, Diddy, Lana Del Rey, Al Pacino, Snoop Dogg, and countless other stars. Everyone from the girl next-door to the rich and famous loves Mels.
We are the “go-to-spot” for a quality early morning Short Stack breakfast, a great Santa Fe salad or short rib grilled cheese for lunch, a Popeye Power pick-me-up in the afternoon, or Grilled Fresh Atlantic Salmon for dinner.
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Read MoreOne would assume that inspiring a George Lucas film would be enough. However, in addition to American Graffiti, Mels has also been credited with inspiring two incredibly successful TV shows, ABC’s “Happy Days”, featuring “Arnold’s Drive-In” and CBS’s “Alice” featuring the similarly named ”Mels Diner.” Mels Next Generation brand position known world-wide. We serve up the finest meals and baked goods in the industry, consistently recognized for our quality, customer service, and vision. We’re moving full steam ahead to bring even more excitement to markets nationwide.
MEDIA AND CONSUMER ATTENTION
For decades, people around the world have celebrated Mels Drive-In in movies, television, podcasts, commercials, radio, music, photography, and now social media. Restaurateurs know that kind of brand awareness is great for business.
Mels Drive-In restaurants get attention. But our expertly executed menu, served in a courteous and cheerful manner is the reason why Mels consistently leaves a lasting impression.
HISTORIC BRAND AND OPPORTUNITY
Our leadership team will work directly with you to locate, design, construct, operate and market an economical 3,500 to 5,000 square foot Mels Drive-In restaurant. Your location will benefit from our innovative marketing initiatives, national promotion, as well as local social media and industry public relations.
A typical Mels in has an “all-in” initial investment as low as $1.2 million, before landlord contribution.*
*See 2023 FDD for details.