The newest late-night restaurant on Third Avenue, Monster Melts, is located on the same street as Pita Pit and Hot Diggity Dog. However, Monster Melts separates itself from the other restaurants because it’s open until 2 a.m.

Monster Melts has an upstairs complete with a lounge, board games and a TV to keep their consumers occupied. The restaurant has a friendly Seattle-esque vibe to it with brick walls and paintings decorating the place from floor to ceiling.

Their most popular meal, grilled cheese with soup, sticks with the theme of comfort. The owner of Monster Melts, Lori Poulter, who has experience in the Seattle bar scene, said the layout and spirit of the place was designed with comfort in mind but employees come first.

“I operate my business by my employees. That’s how it works for me and having them understand and be able to feel and be the best that they can be because they’re the ones there doing the hardest part and that’s the most rewarding,” Poulter said. “We want everyone to feel at home here.”

Poulter’s business model has been beneficial. Since the opening in October, there has only been one cited incident where someone has had to be told to leave the restaurant. Poulter’s means of operating the business seems to make the employees happy, which transfers to the customers, which then minimizes conflict even after a long night with plenty of drinks involved.

“I think we’re really fortunate to realize accountability because it’s so much easier in today’s day because people hold themselves accountable,” Poulter said. “It’s easy: you just be nice and give respect and it comes back to you.”

Pouter’s attitude is not just hearsay, her employees follow the same model of a tightly-knit restaurant staff. Kash Serock, who has been employed since the restaurant’s opening, echoed roughly what poulter explained in her business model.

“[Lori Poulter] has our back I think more than anyone can comprehend,” Kash said.

The future for Monster Melts includes an expanded second floor with more tables and chairs to occupy more customers for a growing business.