San Francisco Chronicle: This Cheesy 1970s Trend Is Making Its Bay Area Comeback

What was once considered a fading trend is more alive than ever. After its peak in the ‘70s, fondue has continued to capture the hearts of diners nationwide. Even in markets like the Bay Area, where there are just three fondue restaurants left, diners continue to seek out the experience. Fondue was even named a top trend of 2024 by Culture, a cheese magazine.

Unlike other traditional dining options, fondue is interactive and encourages connection, and guests see the value in that. 

Melting Pot, the 93-unit fondue franchise, had a record year in 2022 — a prime example of the hunger guests demonstrate for fondue.

“Seventy-four locations had all-time traffic records that year,” CEO Bob Johnston told the San Francisco Chronicle. “When we were allowed to serve guests again, they came back en masse.”

After seeing this great response and continued stability in the following years, Johnston and his team are looking to revive Melting Pot’s presence in the Bay Area. The team is actively seeking franchise partners to reopen the Larkspur location, and they also see potential for additional growth in the market.

Read the full article here.