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LIBERTY TWP. — Eric Powell’s momentum on a television restaurant competition has melted.
The Miami University and Lakota Local Schools alum had been on NBC’s “America’s Next Great Restaurant” for several weeks with his Meltworks concept in an attempt to earn funding. Powell, 29, remained in the competition several weeks before being voted off the show in the Sunday, April 3 episode.
The competition is judged by restaurateur Bobby Flay, Chipotle founder Steve Ellis and chefs Lorena Garcia and Curtis Stone.
Powell was told during the March 27 episode his “grown-up grilled cheese” concept, which has been three years in the making, “plateaued.”
Six contestants will continue the competition this week for the chance to own a fully-funded franchise. The competition has been airing since March 6, when Powell was at his mother’s Liberty Twp. home to view the first episode, alongside family and friends.
Powell’s goal is to open a chain of Meltworks restaurants with his Lakota classmate and business partner, Trevor Snowden. Powell’s website says it cannot announce locations until the show ends.
A message on the site says, “Due to our involvement in America’s Next Great Restaurant, we do not have any location announcements to make at this time. If we win, we’ll have our first three locations in Los Angeles, New York, and Minneapolis. If we do not win, we’ll just have to see where the opportunity takes us.”
Powell is 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.