Restauranteurs Share Special Ingredients for Success
Tracy and Mike Melhado are longtime Brevard County residents and business owners who understand the recipe for success in the highly challenging restaurant industry. “Supporting our community has always been a foundation of our business model,” explains Mike.
The couple owns Thornado Hospitality Group, the parent company of Island Pasta Company, River Rocks Restaurant, The Dock at River Rocks, and Mountain Top Inn & Resort. It all started over 16 years ago at Island Pasta Company, located in Downtown Melbourne, where they offer a casual dining experience with a creative island inspired cuisine.
In 2007, the couple opened River Rocks and The Dock at River Rocks on the waterfront off of U.S. Highway 1 in Rockledge. Both restaurants offer distinct and unique dining experiences on the beautiful Indian River Lagoon. River Rocks offers a contemporary dining experience with an eclectic menu. The Dock at River Rocks is a casual atmosphere with a menu that is far from traditional. Both restaurants offer a spectacular water view and focus on fresh local seafood.
The couple also recently (in 2013) acquired Mountain Top Inn & Resort located in Warm Springs, Georgia. It is a beautiful mountain getaway located on top of Pine Mountain, surrounded by the 9,049-acre F.D. Roosevelt State Park. The resort is the perfect retreat for family reunions and vacations, weddings, or just a romantic weekend escape for two. Available at the resort are cabin rentals, newly renovated inn rooms and a beautiful rustic lodge.
Getting Involved
Mike has spent an immense amount of time giving back to the community by serving on numerous local boards and committees. He played a critical role in the redevelopment of Historic Downtown Melbourne, serving as the former president of the Downtown Merchants Association, a founder of Melbourne Main Street, and a long standing member of the Downtown Melbourne Redevelopment Committee. He has also served for many years on community boards in the Town of Indialantic and for the Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida.
Along with running and maintaining several businesses and keeping up with their family, Tracy finds time to stay active volunteering at Indialantic Elementary.
Both Tracy and Mike, along with their Thornado Hospitality Group, are constantly seeking ways to be a part of and give back to the surrounding communities. Not only have they generously donated their personal time and money to help local charities, but through their company they have also contributed to hundreds of local charities through the years, raising money for groups such as Nana’s House and the Health First Foundation. They currently partner regularly with several local charities and organizations, including Nana’s House, AMIkids, Brevard Zoo, Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida, and many others.
The Melhados and their businesses can always be counted on to help those in need. “Our goal is to daily give back in some way, shape or form in the community we live in. We really enjoy giving to charitable organizations that are in the trenches locally every day helping change lives and make our community a better place.”
Thornado Hospitality Group
ThornadoHospitality.com
