Melting Pot Ends 2023 With Nine Remodels, New Connecticut and Washington Deals and a Positive Trajectory

TAMPA, FL – Melting Pot, the 93-unit fondue franchise with a unique experiential dining model, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of franchisees, guests and other strategic partners. Last year, the franchise completed nine remodels throughout the system to maintain its status as the go-to fondue restaurant across the nation, driving development and capturing the attention of major media outlets.

“We are teaming up with restaurant operators interested in building an amazing dining experience within their community,” said CEO Bob Johnston. “Last year, Melting Pot proved its strength as a beloved local staple with continued franchise development, industry recognition and more remodeled restaurants that bring even more appeal to the experience.”

The refreshed restaurants offer a more modern and inviting floor plan, complete with candles and fireplaces throughout to play off the themes of fire and melting.. Referred to internally as Melting Pot Evolution, the remodeling effort is meant to unite all restaurants around a shared visual identity that is more appealing to the franchise’s broad and varied customer base while maintaining the warm atmosphere Melting Pot guests love.

These changes have demonstrated the franchisor’s ability to continue adapting, leveraging the long history of the brand while recognizing the value of continued growth. Celebrated by guests and franchisees, Melting Pot Evolution has driven an increase in both guest traffic and franchisee inquiries; the brand even signed a new deal to break into Connecticut and another to expand in Washington.

Daina Senatore and Jonathan Reeve, Melting Pot fans themselves, will be opening a restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut and say they are excited to bring the Melting Pot experience to their own community.

Melting Pot sustained the momentum it built in 2022 and 2023 with record-breaking sales and traffic numbers, growing system-wide and proving its strength as a franchise opportunity. In August, the franchise was featured on Fox & Friends for a full three hours, where the business model and franchise opportunities were shared with over one million viewers.

As it celebrated growth across the system, Melting Pot also stayed true to its commitment to community and connection. 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of the brand’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for its annual Thanks and Giving Campaign. The entire franchise system raised over $1,000,000 for life-saving research to find a cure for childhood cancer by offering a $20 Donate and Dine card with a $10 donation to St. Jude or a $20 Donate and Dine card with a $40 donation.

This year, Melting Pot aims to develop its presence in Pennsylvania, Alabama, Virginia, Texas, California, Georgia and Arkansas by awarding nine new franchises in key markets and opening another four. The team is also focused on completing another 45 remodels across the system to support a positive guest experience and continue building cohesion throughout the network.

“We’re seeing great movement from both outside sources and franchisees within the family,” said Collin Benyo, franchise growth strategist. “There are some exciting things in the pipeline for this year, and we look forward to bringing even more great candidates into the fold as we continue our growth.”

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 93 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.