After Nearly Two Decades with the Brand, This The Melting Pot Duo Is a Top Performer in the System

After meeting in IT roles in corporate America, Mark and Becky Chapman got married and eventually moved from Florida to Tulsa, Oklahoma for career opportunities. However, shortly after this move, the 2008 recession created cause for concern. 

“We started brainstorming ideas on how to have a safety net for staying here,” Mark explained. “We talked about quite a few different things but had franchising at the top of mind.”

After a visit to The Melting Pot, the now-94-unit fondue franchise concept, with a friend in Dallas, Mark knew the concept was something he had to know more about.

“I came home and I was talking to Becky about it and said, ‘Let’s get the kids out of school and go try it!’” he said. “It was, again, amazing, and we loved everything about it.”

From here, the pair began to investigate the brand’s morals, philosophy and company culture, and everything fell into place. The pair opened their first location in Tulsa, and about a year and a half later, their second restaurant opened in Oklahoma City. After working on the stores together for about five years, Mark chose to go back to work for another decade. He retired almost two years ago, and he and Becky are now managing their Melting Pot locations, including the newest in Destin, Florida, full-time.

“We now have our own team,” Becky explained. “We have a full-time HR, accounting employee and director of operations. One of us is in Destin every month. We are both originally from Florida, so we visit quite often.”

Looking back on their experience, the pair says one of the most notable pieces of information is the rate of success that franchising brings. In the Melting Pot network specifically, there is a sense of family among the many franchisees, and each local owner still has access to a CEO who genuinely cares about their success.

“One of the things that came to light was the level of support that the franchise gives,” Becky added. “We can still call the CEO and have direct access to whatever we need. They call us just to say hi — they are very caring about their people. It’s a very family-oriented company, and it’s a place where you want to work and be a part of.”

In addition to the caring team throughout the network, having a proven business model was invaluable to the Chapmans. 

“They already have the recipe for how to make it a success,” she added.

As the duo looks to the future, they say they are absolutely interested in continuing the operation of the stores they do have and working to provide a great guest experience. The Melting Pot is not just a place to stop for a meal; for many people and families, it is a place of celebration. The Chapmans’ approach embraces this outlook and has been a key contributor to their success with the brand.

Though there is a clear future in sight, Becky says their relationship with the brand is so much more than “just a job.” Just as the corporate team cares about its franchise owners, the Chapmans care about the other individuals who keep their three locations running to standard.

“I talk to all of my friends and let them know that the career path we chose is not a ‘job,’” Becky said. “We have all these employees that provide for their families; it has become our identity.”

The total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Melting Pot restaurant franchise ranges from $1.3–$1.5 million. For more information on franchising with Melting Pot, visit https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/.

About Melting Pot

Founded in 1975, Melting Pot has offered a unique fondue dining experience for more than 45 years. As the premier fondue restaurant franchise, Melting Pot has more than 90 restaurants in 31 U.S. states and Canada. Known for offering a variety of fondue cooking styles and unique entrées, Melting Pot’s menu also features cheese fondues, salads, fine wines, spirits and chocolate fondue desserts. Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com.