Melting Pot Targets Pennsylvania for Growth, Led by Top-Performing Franchisee

PENNSYLVANIA – Melting Pot, the 92-unit fondue franchise, has built a strong presence in the Pennsylvania market. In addition to its King of Prussia restaurant, which CEO Bob Johnston fondly notes as a prime example of what a Melting Pot location can be, there are three high-performing restaurants in the state. Now, the team is looking to add another three restaurants in Pennsylvania in the next three years.

“The Pennsylvania market has proven to be very welcoming to the Melting Pot model,” said Collin Benyo, franchise growth strategist. “Chris Millsap, a 17-year franchisee and owner of the Pittsburgh, Colorado Springs, Kansas City and Cincinnati restaurants, has demonstrated the potential that exists in the Melting Pot system and what it can grow to be when combined with a passion for people and the brand.”

While his journey with Melting Pot started as a simple college job, Millsap quickly fell in love with the brand and he decided to stick around. After working his way through management positions, Millsap signed his first franchise agreement with Melting Pot in 2007. Now, he owns multiple locations and, more recently, has even won Franchise of the Year with his Pittsburgh location two years in a row.

“Every time our restaurants win an award it sort of fuels the fire for us to keep doing better,” said Millsap. “I’m happy with where we’ve landed.”

With Millsap’s success in mind, the Melting Pot development team is now looking to grow even more in the Pennsylvania market. With capacity for three new restaurants in the state, they are targeting growth in Erie, Lancaster and downtown Philadelphia.

“Pennsylvania is a wonderful state for franchise businesses — as evidenced by some of our top-performing locations being in the state,” explained Benyo. “Better yet, both the Pittsburgh and King of Prussia restaurants have successfully remodeled, so guests already have exposure to great examples of how the brand will look and feel moving forward.”

After a strong 2023, with over 20% of restaurants reopening after a push to remodel, Melting Pot has continued to support growth in the system; the brand is on track to see a total of 37 remodeled reopenings this year alone. The franchisor has launched a new Franchisee Growth Incentive, offering new franchisees a compelling opportunity to join the Melting Pot family.

Franchise Growth Incentive | Expires July 1, 2024

A candidate or current Melting Pot franchise owner that is approved may execute a new restaurant franchise agreement, paying only a $5,000 franchise fee per unit (discounted from $45,000 * - with a rebate paid at lease signing). Leases must be executed within a 9 month period to earn the rebate.

Additionally, if a franchisee executes the lease within 6 months, they will receive a reduced royalty rate of 3% for the first year. 

“We’re seeing great movement from both outside sources and franchisees within the family,” said Benyo. “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.”

“If you want to grow with a brand, Melting Pot is one of those brands that can help you get to the top,” added Millsap. “There’s always opportunity, and I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count.”

Melting Pot is remaining flexible for its Pennsylvania growth, drawing on the adaptability of the model to find the perfect fit for the entrepreneur and community.

“We want to utilize our brand’s unique ability to adapt to each location and cater to the local flavor,” added Benyo. “Because Melting Pot has a very unique culinary approach, we can entertain many different locations and help franchisees weigh the pros and cons of each option, supporting them in making the strongest decision for their business.”

As the franchisor continues to work alongside passionate entrepreneurs to drive system growth, it’s also targeting expansion in Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, New York, Kansas, California, Nebraska, Ohio, Iowa, Colorado, Washington, Arizona, New Jersey and Mississippi.

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 92 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.

About Front Burner

Headquartered in Tampa, Front Burner is the restaurant management company for Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., and the new casual whimsical dining concept Melting Pot Social! Melting Pot currently has 92 restaurants in 31 U.S. states and Canada. Melting Pot Social opened its first location in July 2021 in Asheville, NC. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.