Plaid Melon converts to dinner carryout; reopens Monday

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Tessa Gallinat for the information in this story.)

On Monday, Oct. 17, the family-owned Plaid Melon will transition from table service to carry-out, offering dinner to-go on weekday evenings.

The new Plaid Melon will offer a different menu each week, including hand-crafted entrees, seasonal soups, and hearty salads.

Originally opened in September 2014 as a casual cafe serving breakfast and lunch, the Plaid Melon recently closed due to a staff shortage.

This shortage reflects a restaurant industry trend that began to appear in the media both locally and nationally over a year ago, said owner Dave Gallinat in a press release.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have some great people come on board since we opened, people who really understood what I was trying to do and helped make the Melon the kind of place I wanted it to be. Unfortunately, great people eventually move on to other things,” he said.

Two years after opening the original Plaid Melon Cafe, Gallinat says he “is itching for a new challenge.”

“Change is good,” he said, adding, “This is an opportunity to do something I’ve wanted to do for a while now.”

He plans to design menus that embrace the original Melon’s reputation for fresh ingredients and simple, eclectic dishes. Familiar favorites — like the popular noodle mess and house-made soups — will continue to be featured.

New entree options will range from classic comfort food to gourmet-inspired dishes that allow Gallinat draw on his fine-dining experience.

Each week’s menu will be available at www.plaidmelon.com; customers can also subscribe to a weekly menu email or join Plaid Melon on Facebook (plaidmelon) for updates.

Dinner orders can be placed by phone at 734-475-1457 or in person at 312 North Main.

Online ordering is planned before the end of the year.

New business hours will be Monday through Friday from 4-9 p.m.