Tom & Chee - A Grilled Cheese Story
When you're looking for something that feels like a warm hug in food form, Tom & Chee, you know, often comes to mind. This place isn't just about simple sandwiches; it's a whole experience built around those comforting, gooey grilled cheese creations. They've really made a name for themselves, offering up a menu that goes beyond what you might expect from a spot focused on melts, bringing in savory soups and even some fresh greens to round things out. It's a place that, in a way, brings a bit of fun and satisfaction to your mealtime, whether you're dining in or taking it to go.
The story of Tom & Chee, you see, has a pretty interesting beginning, one that actually involves a very famous television show. Back in 2013, this grilled cheese spot got a big moment in the spotlight, appearing on a popular program where business hopefuls present their ideas to investors. That appearance, as a matter of fact, really helped them gain a lot of attention and, well, a good following. It showed folks everywhere what they were all about and how special their food truly was, especially those rather unique offerings they had.
From those early days, this place has grown quite a bit, expanding its reach and continuing to serve up its distinct style of comfort food. They keep things fresh and lively, too, with their social media pages often putting out word about holiday deals or, you know, just some random specials that pop up. There was even a time, back in November of 2023, when they let everyone know that a part of what they earned from sales would go to a good cause, which is, honestly, a pretty nice touch. It shows they're not just about serving up deliciousness but also about being a part of the bigger community.
Table of Contents
- The People Behind the Melts
- How Did Tom & Chee Get Its Start?
- What Can You Get at Tom & Chee?
- Is Ordering Tom & Chee Easy?
- What Makes Tom & Chee Special?
- Tom & Chee's Reach and Growth
- Staying Connected with Tom & Chee
- Tom & Chee for Your Gathering
The People Behind the Melts
Who Started Tom & Chee?
Every good story, you know, has its key players, and for this particular grilled cheese venture, it was a couple of individuals with a vision for something different. Corey Ward and Trew Quackenbush are the names connected to the very beginnings of Tom & Chee. They are the folks who really brought this whole idea to life, transforming a simple concept into a place that people, you know, really enjoy going to for their comfort food cravings. Their inventiveness and dedication truly set the stage for what Tom & Chee would become, making it, in some respects, a standout in the food scene.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Names of Founders | Corey Ward and Trew Quackenbush |
| Known For | Impressing investors with tasty sandwiches and unique offerings on a popular TV show |
How Did Tom & Chee Get Its Start?
The Tom & Chee Shark Tank Appearance
The moment that really put Tom & Chee on the map, so to speak, was their appearance on a well-known television program called "Shark Tank." This happened back in 2013, and it was quite a significant event for the restaurant. The founders, Corey Ward and Trew Quackenbush, went before the investors, showcasing their grilled cheese concept, which, you know, was a bit unusual at the time. They really made a strong impression with their delicious sandwiches and, too it's almost, their rather distinct approach to comfort food, which caught the attention of those watching.
During their time on the show, which was Season 4, Episode 26, the founders actually prepared some samples right there on the spot. They made their famous grilled cheese donuts, which, honestly, sounds a little wild, doesn't it? They presented these to the potential backers and, you know, explained their hopes for growing the business. They were looking to expand, to bring their unique creations to more people, and they really put their heart into showing what Tom & Chee was all about. This moment, basically, showed their passion and their big plans for the future of their grilled cheese venture.
After that television show aired, the impact on Tom & Chee was, well, pretty immediate and quite big. The restaurant saw a very significant jump in the number of people visiting its website, which, you know, is a good sign that folks were curious. Sales also went up quite a bit, which is, obviously, what every business hopes for after such exposure. And, as a matter of fact, their presence on social media really took off too, getting a lot more attention and followers. It was, in a way, a turning point that helped them reach a much wider audience, something they had been hoping for.
Since that time, Tom & Chee has shown a steady kind of progress. The business has been growing, actually, at what's thought to be around a 10% rate each year. This sort of growth, you know, is pretty typical for a business that's doing well and finding its footing. Because of this consistent movement forward, the current value of Tom & Chee is estimated to be around $3.71 million. It really goes to show how much things can change for a business after getting that kind of spotlight, and how, you know, their early efforts really paid off.
What Can You Get at Tom & Chee?
Exploring the Tom & Chee Menu
When you step into a Tom & Chee, or even just look at their offerings online, you'll find that they've really focused on what they do best. They are, at their heart, a place for melts, soups, and salads. The idea is to keep things, you know, a bit streamlined, with a model that leans towards smaller locations and menus that aren't overly long. This means, basically, they put their effort into making sure the items they do offer are really good, rather than trying to have, you know, too many things on the list. It’s a pretty smart way to go about things, honestly.
On their menu, you'll now find that there are fewer than ten different melt creations to choose from, which, you know, makes deciding a little less overwhelming. Alongside these, they have a modest selection of soups and some salads, too. But, and this is a big "but," the well-known grilled cheese donut is still there, which is, you know, a fan favorite and a true original. This approach, in a way, allows them to maintain a certain quality and focus on the things that people truly come back for, keeping the experience consistent and, well, quite satisfying.
One of the popular ways to enjoy the food at Tom & Chee is through their "Pick 2" menu option, which, you know, gives you a bit of choice. For just $8.99, you can actually select two different items from a list of possibilities. This could be, for example, a half melt, or perhaps a half salad if you're looking for something a little lighter. You could also pick a cup of their comforting soup, or, you know, a cup of their mac and cheese, which, honestly, sounds pretty good. It's a versatile way to try a couple of things or just have a smaller, more manageable meal, which is, basically, a nice feature.
Is Ordering Tom & Chee Easy?
Getting Your Tom & Chee Fix
Getting your hands on some Tom & Chee food is, you know, pretty straightforward these days, which is nice when you're feeling hungry. You can find a spot near you by using their search tool, which lets you put in your zip code or the city and state where you are. This makes it, basically, quite simple to locate the closest branch. Or, if you're planning for a bigger get-together or just want food brought to you, you can place an order online for either catering services or for delivery right to your door. It's all about making it convenient for you, which is, in some respects, a pretty big deal for people on the go.
For those times when you're in a bit of a rush, or you just prefer to have things ready, you can actually order ahead at Tom & Chee. This means you can place your food requests online or, you know, right from your mobile phone, which is very handy. It saves you time waiting around, and you can just swing by to pick up your meal when it's ready. Plus, if you're a first-time user of a service like Seamless for Tom & Chee delivery, you might even get a $10 discount coupon, which is, honestly, a pretty sweet deal. It's all about making the process as smooth and easy as possible, so you can just click and enjoy what's fun, as they say.
What Makes Tom & Chee Special?
The Tom & Chee Experience
Tom & Chee, you know, really aims to be more than just a place where you grab a quick bite; it's set up to be a whole feeling, a kind of sensory adventure. It starts, basically, with the service you receive, which is meant to be great, making you feel welcome and cared for. And then, it wraps up with that feeling of contentment, that satisfaction you get after eating something truly comforting and tasty. It’s about the whole picture, from the moment you walk in or click to order, right through to the last bite, which, in a way, makes it quite memorable.
When you look at what they offer, the menu at Tom & Chee, you know, really tries to have something for just about everyone. You can find what they call "adventurous melts," which are, basically, their creative takes on grilled cheese, probably with some surprising ingredients. Then there are those savory soups, which sound like they would be rich and full of flavor, perfect for a chilly day. And, too it's almost, they have fresh salads, for when you want something a little lighter or to balance out the richness. This variety, honestly, means that no matter what your preference, you're likely to discover something that hits the spot and, you know, leaves you feeling good.
Tom & Chee's Reach and Growth
Where Can You Find Tom & Chee?
Tom & Chee has, you know, really grown quite a bit since its early days, becoming a pretty well-known name for grilled cheese across the country. It's considered the top grilled cheese franchise in the nation, which is, honestly, a pretty big accomplishment. You can now find more than a dozen locations, spread out across seven different states. This means that, basically, if you're traveling around, there's a good chance you might stumble upon one of their spots, which is, you know, pretty cool for fans of their unique offerings.
The very beginnings of Tom & Chee trace back to downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, where it was first set up in 2009. That's where the whole idea, you know, first took shape. From that single spot, it has, obviously, expanded quite a bit, and now has locations dotted all over America. These spots continue to serve up their distinct melts, along with their selection of soups and salads. It’s a story of, basically, a local idea growing into something much bigger, reaching people far beyond its original home, which is, in some respects, pretty inspiring.
Staying Connected with Tom & Chee
Tom & Chee's Online Presence
Tom & Chee does a pretty good job of keeping in touch with its fans and customers, you know, through its online spaces. Their social media pages are, actually, quite active, which means they are regularly putting out new information. They often post about special deals for holidays, which is, basically, a nice way to celebrate and give people a reason to visit. Sometimes, they'll also just share random specials that pop up, keeping things interesting and, well, making sure there's always something new to look forward to. It's a good way to stay in the loop if you're a fan of their food.
Beyond just offers, their online presence also lets people know about other good things happening. For example, back in November of 2023, they shared that a part of the money made from sales would go towards something worthwhile. This kind of announcement, you know, lets people know that when they buy from Tom & Chee, they might also be helping a cause, which is, honestly, a pretty positive aspect of the business. It shows they're not just about the food but also about, you know, making a bit of a difference, which many people appreciate.
Tom & Chee for Your Gathering
Tom & Chee Catering Options
If you're thinking about having a get-together, or, you know, a party, you can actually bring Tom & Chee to the event, which is a pretty cool option. They offer catering services, and their soups, salads, and melts are, basically, described as "uncommonly delicious." The idea is that by having their food at your gathering, you'll be seen as, you know, a bit of a hero by your guests, and everyone at the event will find something they truly enjoy. It’s a way to make sure your guests are well-fed and happy, without you having to do all the cooking yourself.
To arrange for Tom & Chee to cater your event, it's, you know, pretty simple. You just need to fill out a form, which is, basically, available for this purpose. Once you do that, their catering team will take care of things,
Talking Tom - IMDb
My Talking Tom 2 - App on Amazon Appstore
Talking Tom - YouTube
