It Doesn’t Get Cheddar Than This

This old school bus hauls a different kind of precious cargo – the ultimate comfort food, grilled cheese. Owner Kerry Washburn launched Bus Stop Melts two years ago. He has been in the service industry most of his life and briefly owned Fayetteville Pie Company. Unfortunately, the restaurant didn’t survive but it paved the way for a new idea: a food truck. Kerry bought an old school bus but was unsure which direction to take it when his wife said, “The school bus is also known as the big cheese, so why not do a grilled cheese truck?” 

“It seemed like a good niche to be filled,” says Kerry, who has steadily gained popularity in the food truck world since. His menu consists of various gourmet grilled cheeses, several steps up from your average slice of Kraft. But he also serves a few other options like tomato soup (duh) and bread pudding.

Each sandwich is named after something significant to North Carolina. The “43” is his best seller, named for Richard Petty’s race car number. It’s made with brisket, smoked Gouda, aged cheddar and Muenster on sourdough bread, plus a dipping sauce. Kerry’s personal favorite is the BB-55, named for the Battleship N.C., that’s made with bacon jam, fried onions, aged cheddar and Gouda.

“We try to use the best ingredients we can find and source. And we try to give people their money’s worth,” says Kerry. Bus Stop Melts can be found all around the state, most frequently between Fayetteville, Sanford, Raleigh and Moore County. Find the bus at James Creek Cider House on July 30 or set your mind at cheese by following Bus Stop Melts on Instagram.