Melanie’s Story
"Meat Mel"
Melanie “Mel” Landano did not just end up in hospitality—she grew up in it. As a Brooklyn kid working summers at Nelly Bly Amusement Park, she went from selling treats to running the whole show as General Manager by the time she was 20, learning how to move a crowd, lead a team, and keep the energy high even on the hottest days.
Armed with a degree in Corporate Communications, Mel took that people‑first mindset to Walt Disney World, coordinating signature events at EPCOT. She worked with teams from around the world, hosted VIPs, and soaked up Disney’s obsession with storytelling and guest experience—the kind of training you can’t fake and never forget.
Back in the New York area, she climbed the ladder at Bally Total Fitness, eventually becoming a face of the brand and overseeing multiple clubs. When the company folded, Mel did what she always does: pivoted, not paused. She reconnected with her childhood friend, famed meat purveyor Pat LaFrieda, and stepped into a role that had her opening high‑profile food and beverage concepts in stadiums and iconic venues.
She helped bring LaFrieda’s name to places like Citi Field and the US Open, juggling large‑scale openings, events, and partnerships. It was the perfect training ground for what came next. In March 2020, just as a new restaurant opened, the world suddenly shut down. Instead of sitting still, Mel started helping local restaurants for free, problem‑solving her way through a crisis alongside other operators.
Then came the opportunity that changed everything: a food truck. Mel said yes, put her name on the side, and Mel’s Butcher Box was born—a rolling ode to great beef, big flavors, and her “feed people well, treat them better” philosophy. From day one, she built it as a collaborative brand that could partner with other makers and chefs to amplify good, quality food in a fun, exciting atmosphere.
Lines formed, the buzz grew, and she rehired team members who had lost their jobs, turning one truck into a tiny ecosystem of comeback stories and creative collabs. That same spirit drives Mel’s Butcher Box today, from limited‑time chef features to the in‑store craft wine bar that pairs curated wines with her quick‑serve comfort food, nostalgia‑packed vibe, and elevated experience.
Before long, it was time to park those wheels and build a home. Mel’s Butcher Box in Tenafly is the culmination of every chapter of her career: Brooklyn grit, Disney polish, stadium energy, and a deep love for taking care of people and the food community around her. When you walk in and she’s behind the counter, you’re not just getting a burger; you’re stepping into Mel’s story—served hot, with a glass of wine if you like, and always with extra napkins.