How the Melting Pot Makes the Dream of Multi-Unit Ownership a Possibility

Part of why Melting Pot, the 97-unit fondue restaurant brand, has grown into a successful company for over 45-plus years is due to the strength of its franchise system. Many owners started in entry-level positions with the brand and have grown to purchase multiple locations. Chris Millsap is one of those franchisees. 

Millsap started working for Melting Pot after graduating college, initially as a summer job, but he ended up enjoying it and serving for the next three years. He then began managing a location for a few years before being approached to purchase one in Cincinnati. Millsap signed that franchise agreement in 2007. 

In the 15 years since, he's added Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Kansas City, Missouri to his portfolio. He has continually reinvested in Melting Pot because “it’s unique in the restaurant space. There are literally no other options out there as far as fondue goes,” Millsap explained. 

“We offer a deeper connection with the guests, and it's more than just serving food. It’s a slower-paced environment, and we are pretty particular about details to wow people,” he added. 

He has been able to maintain successful operations at four locations by prioritizing culture within the team and not being afraid to grow and innovate.

“I've learned through the years that you must push your comfort zones and boundaries a little bit to achieve bigger things. That's helped us in terms of production. Our Pittsburgh location won Franchise of the Year last year, and we’ve doubled our sales there over the last six years,” said Milsap. “It’s just about putting the teams together and preaching the good word of fondue.”

The brand has been very helpful by being a strong backbone of support for him, Millsap added. He appreciates that even the high-level executives at Melting Pot are approachable and know each owner by name. He calls the company “very culturally sound.”

Millsap says he has long-term goals with the franchise and feels like “a part of Melting Pot on a grander scale.” He plans to start offering percentage ownership to some general managers who've been on his staff for years to give them a mentorship opportunity for the future. 

Those owners will be able to be a part of Melting Pot’s growing success. The brand has seen big increases in sales lately, with the system’s weekly net sales in July up 44.3%, 37%, 54%, 65% and 20% from the same period pre-pandemic. 

Those who are interested in joining the amazingly unique concept are invited to reach out to the brand for more information. Melting Pot is eager to continue to welcome new franchisees into the system to enjoy its successes. 

Total investments range from $1.3 million to $1.6 million. For more information, 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 96 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. Fondue fans can join Melting Pot’s Club Fondue for exclusive promotions, special events and advance holiday reservation privileges. Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit www.meltingpotfranchise.com.