Meltwatch, Week 2: Powell safe in TV restaurant competition

Contributed photo The Ham, Apple & Gruyère grilled cheese is one of the sandwiches created by Butler County native Eric Powell and introduced on NBC's "America's Next Great Restaurant."

ENLARGE PHOTO

Contributed photo Eric Powell, a native of Butler County, was one of 21 contestants on NBC's "America's Next Great Restaurants, " promoting his Meltworks "Grilled Cheese for Grownups" concept.

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Staff Report Updated 4:11 PM Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Eric Powell, 29, has advanced another week with nine contestants left to compete for their own fully-funded franchise.

Powell is a Miami University grad and Lakota Local Schools alum.

What happened on Sunday’s episode? Powell was voted the favorite restaurant by 1,000 diners who tasted food and weighed in on their favorite concepts, earning him a free pass to the next week. Part of the challenge was to design a logo. Investors said the Meltworks logo with a cog as an “o” seemed to say “machinery,” and wanted something that made them hungrier. However, they praised the grilled cheese sandwich.

Powell’s goal is to open a chain of “grown up grilled cheese” restaurants with his Lakota classmate and business partner, Trevor Snowden. The son of Judge Stephen Powell of the 12th District Court of Appeals, step-son of Interim Superintendent Ron Spurlock and son of retired Lakota principal Elizabeth Spurlock, will appear again on the show at 8 p.m. this Sunday on NBC.

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