Forbes: How The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant Keeps Thriving After 48 Years

Fondue restaurants were all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s, but the trend has faded over the years. The one exception? The Melting Pot. 

The Melting Pot, the popular fondue franchise, has been around for 48 years and expanded to 95 locations, including 91 franchise units. The brand operates in 29 states, with one additional location in Edmonton, Canada. 

The continued success of the brand can be attributed to the interactive entertainment it provides and the way it is “catering to what people want, enabling them to connect with each other, family members and good friends, and nervous first dates, as well,” said CEO of Front Burner Brands and The Melting Pot, Bob Johnston, to Forbes. 

The Melting Pot is particularly known as a restaurant choice for special occasions. “Guests don’t eat with us every week. We are where you go when you want to treat yourself to a special meal,” Johnston told Forbes. The menu has been adapted with this in mind, now offering a Big Night Out special that includes four courses: cheese fondue, salad, entrée fondue and dessert. This bundled meal costs $110 and serves two people. 

However, for those who do not desire such a hearty meal, the menu has lower-calorie options, including vegan cheese selections and lean cuts of meat served in broth. 

Many Target Markets Enjoy Fondue

The Melting Pot’s target audience is wide and varied. Customers of the fondue restaurant include, “young people choosing to celebrate a report card, graduation or proms; young adults starting to date; couples who haven’t been able to connect but get a babysitter and dine out with friends; and often multi-generation families of three generations,” explained Johnston. 

Most Melting Pot restaurants are located in affluent neighborhoods, particularly suburban communities with a dense population. Although none are currently located in New York City, Los Angeles or Chicago, the brand is now considering the option of entering larger cities such as these.

Finding the Right Franchisees

To continue its growth, Melting Pot prioritizes finding the right franchisees. The right franchisee, as Johnston told Forbes, is “someone who is passionate about hospitality and derives enjoyment from throwing a party every night for the guest. If that’s not part of your make-up, you’re not an ideal Melting Pot franchisee.” In addition, Johnston notes that franchisees must understand the risks involved in business ownership and feel motivated by that.

The Melting Pot expects to open eight or nine new locations by the end of this year, and another eight or nine next year to surpass 100 locations. 

When Forbes asked Johnston what he thought the key was to the brand’s continued success, he narrowed it down to three aspects: strong franchisee partnerships, a great guest experience and building brand awareness so guests know exactly what to expect for their night out at The Melting Pot. 

To read the full article, click here. 

For more information on franchising with Melting Pot, visit meltingpotfranchise.com.