Marietta native Matt Debusschere met Justin Wilfon,former WSBTV anchor, because their kids attended the same preschool. They had a common interest of opening a restaurant and just over two years ago, they opened Marietta Melt Yard.
From Nov. 15 to Jan. 4, they have a Home Alone-inspired pop up with decorations from the holiday film. Their regular menu is “food truck inspired,” and the pop up holiday menu keeps much of their regular items and adds some iconic movie foods and themes: “The Plaza Ice Cream Sundae” based on the film Eloise at the Plaza and “McCallister’s Meltdown” based on the movie Home Alone.
“The Home Alone pop up has been really intense this year. Wildly successful but also quite stressful for me and the staff. I think we’re all looking forward to laying low for a few months after the holiday break is over,” said Debusschere.
The space has 7,000 square feet and has been home to other Marietta restaurants- Gem City, Chicken and the Egg, and more. They created a more open space by adding windows
and garage doors to open up to the outside. An unexpected addition new to the space, to set the tone for the
food truck theme, is a 1968 retro van that stays there year-round.
The owners want it to be a fun, neighborhood hang-out spot. It has an arcade with pinball machines, arcade games, and a claw toy grabber. There are 10 TVs and one giant screen that plays movies or music videos. During the holiday pop-up, Home Alone is on a loop. They support schools in Marietta and pride themselves on being involved in the community.
“The most rewarding aspect, for me, has been engaging with the community. I always wanted Melt Yard to be a community hub and I think we’ve been able to accomplish that,” said Debusschere.
This year the MHS staff will have their second annual holiday party at Melt Yard sponsored by Johnny Walker Realty, Affinity Home Lending, and Smith, Tumlin, McCurley, and Patrick P.C. To learn more and support Marietta Melt Yard follow them on Instagram @mariettameltyard.
Every issue, the Pitchfork staff reviews local businesses. The Melt Yard Home Alone pop up adds more excitement to the already fun vibe of the restaurant.
Its unique, gigantic space is simply fun in every corner for kids and adults alike. The family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for a night out or even a casual get-together with friends. It highlights the community aspect of Marietta, encouraging that feeling from the moment you are greeted by the hosts.
Our visit right after school was well-planned to avoid a crowd. Due to its busyness and popularity, the restaurant is not accepting reservations during this holiday pop-up, but
the restaurant is easily accessible in the mid-afternoon, and crowds abound in the evening, with wait times that should be expected.
Our orders included regular items on the menu like the buffalo chicken dip, which could be perfect for sharing or a light meal. We checked out the extreme holiday milkshake “Eating Junk and Watching Rubbish” named after an infamous quote from Kevin McAllister. Incredibly filling and fun. The number one seller is their flagship “Truck Burger” with two smash patties, melted cheese, caramelized onion, pickles and yum yum sauce on a toasted bun. Debusschere calls it “comfort food”
and we agree.
Ingredients:
Mini Christmas Tree Cakes (1 package)
Vanilla ice cream (3 cups)
Milk (1 cup)
Holiday Sprinkles
Whipped Cream
Instructions:
1. In a blender, add mini cakes, milk, and ice cream. Blend until smooth.
2. Add additional ice cream and cakes until it reaches your desired thickness.
3. Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a mini cake.
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