Dad’s Grilled Cheese features what owner knows best

Losing a job can be devastating, but sometimes it's the catalyst people need to do something life-changing.

That's how Mike Pernatozzi became a restaurant owner. He lost his job in May 2008 after the Stratosphere was sold and about 18 months later, opened Dad's Grilled Cheese, 5255 S. Decatur Blvd. "I had the idea about seven years ago, and when I lost my job I resurrected it," Pernatozzi says.

Because he had no restaurant experience, Pernatozzi knew he had to do something that fit his comfort level.

"I didn't want to do something else that others were already doing and I started thinking, 'What do I like?' " he recalls. "I like grilled cheese."

And the name? That also came from his experience.

"Dads can only make grilled cheese, that's all I used to do for my kids," says Pernatozzi, whose children are now grown.

Once he had the basic idea, he then developed sandwiches based on careers and named them accordingly. Everything starts out as an Apprentice, a basic grilled cheese on your choice of bread -- white, rye, wheat, sourdough or french bread -- and your choice of cheese -- American, cheddar, colby jack, pepper jack, Muenster, provolone, Swiss, Gruyere or soy cheese -- ($3.69). There are sandwiches based on teachers, doctors, cowboys and others.

The restaurant, which seats 50, is decorated with dad-isms on one wall and pictures of famous television fathers on another. The menu features 14 signature sandwiches and the Construction Worker, or one you build yourself (with toppings 75 cents to $1.75).

Hours are 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Reservations aren't required.

Specialties: El Jeffe with colby cheese, roasted jalapenos, cream cheese and Fritos corn chips on grilled white bread, $5.69; El Matador with pepper jack cheese and grilled onions wrapped in a flour tortilla, $3.69; The Godfather with salami, melted mozzarella and provolone on Italian bread, $5.99

Soups: Creamy tomato and cheesy French onion, each $2.99 for a bowl

Entrees: Classic macaroni and cheese; rotini in a cheese sauce; Sassy Saucy macaroni and cheese; capellini marinara and cheese sauce; The Valley of Fire, fettuccine in a creamy garlic cheese sauce, all $7.99, child's portion, $4.99 (served only from 4 to 7:30 p.m.). Also, The Boxer, sliced Angus roast beef with sauteed onions and peppers, provolone and garlic peppercorn mayonnaise dressing on a grilled french bread roll, $8.99.

Sides: French or curly fries; coleslaw, each $1.49; onion rings, $2.49

Dessert: The Butter Boom, two slices of chocolate poundcake filled with choice of plain, peanut butter, coconut or mint cream cheese, covered in chocolate sauce, $3.29

Information: 247-6640

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@review journal.com or 702-380-4564.