1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-keys-6665496a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=former-melting-pot-employee-now-7-year-melting-pot-owner-celebrates-second-consecutive-restaurant-of-the-year-win-2727970" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chris Keys</a>, who is now an ownership partner of two&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=former-melting-pot-employee-now-7-year-melting-pot-owner-celebrates-second-consecutive-restaurant-of-the-year-win-2727970" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melting Pot</a> restaurants, started his journey with the brand nearly 20 years ago. Since taking over the restaurant in Fort Myers, Florida, which originally opened in 1988, Keys has continued to grow with the brand, providing a great guest experience and serving as a strong leader for other franchise owners in the system.Recently, Keys accepted the 2024 Restaurant of the Year award for Fort Myers — the second consecutive win for the restaurant. While the franchisor conducts an in-depth, data-driven analysis to select the Restaurant of the Year each year, Keys attributes all of the success to a value prevalent throughout the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a> system: the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpot.com/perfect-night-out.aspx?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=former-melting-pot-employee-now-7-year-melting-pot-owner-celebrates-second-consecutive-restaurant-of-the-year-win-2727970" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Perfect Night Out</a>.Keys took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: You recently won Melting Pot’s Restaurant of the Year award for the second year in a row. What do you think contributed to this success?Chris Keys:&nbsp;When the Melting Pot team is selecting the restaurant of the year, they consider sales growth, guest count growth, completion of training programs, how fast tables are turned over, guest reviews and more.Honestly, though, I don’t think we’ve done anything extraordinarily different over the past year. We just give great customer service. Melting Pot has what’s called the “Perfect Night Out” that we strive to provide, not only for our guests but our staff as well. We continue to work toward that and aim for the best reviews.We still have one of the highest review ratings in the area and are ranked number one on TripAdvisor. Really, it’s about consistently providing a great experience for our guests day in and day out.1851: Can you explain the importance of the Perfect Night Out as it relates to team members? How do you achieve this, and how does it impact the restaurant environment?Keys:&nbsp;Absolutely. Part of the Perfect Night Out includes genuine hospitality, happy team members, exceptional food and beverage, and inviting surroundings. Happy team members are essential because if our staff isn't happy, they can’t provide great service. We work with their schedules to ensure flexibility, and we offer little perks.&nbsp;For example, if someone receives five positive reviews, they might not have side work, like rolling silverware, that night. It sounds small, but for those in the restaurant industry, these little things make a big difference. Knowing at the start of a shift that they don’t have side work that evening helps boost their mood and encourages exceptional service throughout their shift, and the positive impact just compounds.1851:&nbsp;How has the longevity of the restaurant in the community impacted guests’ experiences and your own approach as an owner?Keys:&nbsp;The longevity of this location is definitely a huge benefit. Folks come in and share that they first visited for prom dinner in the early '90s, and now they’re bringing their own families or even grandkids. Initially, Melting Pot was more of a couples’ experience, but over time it’s become a place for families.&nbsp;Being in this community for so long, we try to help whenever possible. We attend charitable events, donate gift certificates and sometimes host groups for dining, donating a portion of proceeds from the evening to their charity.1851:&nbsp;What do you think other restaurant owners should understand about the value of providing a great service every time and giving back to the community?Keys:&nbsp;We’ve been working on different ways to give back ourselves, like inviting charity groups to dine at our restaurant. They bring in their network, which can include thousands of potential guests, and we might donate a dollar from each meal that evening to their cause. This generates a win-win, supporting the charity and bringing people into the restaurant. For someone new, I’d say don’t feel you have to give things away. Allow people to be part of your restaurant so they can see what it’s all about.1851:&nbsp;What specific growth plans or goals do you have for the future of the restaurant?Keys:&nbsp;It’s really about continuing to give that Perfect Night Out for both our guests and staff. I’ve been part of Melting Pot for 18 years, and my heart is fully invested in what we do. We’ll keep moving forward with that commitment.About Melting PotFounded 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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.meltingpot.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=former-melting-pot-employee-now-7-year-melting-pot-owner-celebrates-second-consecutive-restaurant-of-the-year-win-2727970" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.meltingpot.com</a>. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=former-melting-pot-employee-now-7-year-melting-pot-owner-celebrates-second-consecutive-restaurant-of-the-year-win-2727970" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.

Former Melting Pot Employee, 7-Year Owner Celebrates Second Consecutive Restaurant of the Year Win

Melting Pot Franchise in Fort Myers Celebrates Restaurant of the Year

1851 Franchise

The Fort Myers fondue franchise, owned by entrepreneurs who have been with the company for nearly 20 years, won the esteemed award in both 2023 and 2024, celebrated for its excellent performance.

Former Melting Pot Employee, Now 7-Year Melting Pot Owner Celebrates Second Consecutive Restaurant of the Year Win

former-melting-pot-employee-now-7-year-melting-pot-owner-celebrates-second-consecutive-restaurant-of-the-year-win

Pet Wants

Meet the Team Leading Pet Wants Into Its Next Phase of Growth

meet-the-team-leading-pet-wants-into-its-next-phase-of-growth

Voodoo Brewing Co.

Voodoo Brewing October Drink Pink cocktail

Drink Pink: How Voodoo Brewing Co. Pours Purpose Into Profits This October

drink-pink-how-voodoo-brewing-co-pours-purpose-into-profits-this-october

Sola Salons

Photo of exterior of Sola Salons location with sunset in background

Why the Sola Salons Model Beats Traditional Hair Salon Franchise Opportunities

sola-salon-suite-vs-traditional-salon-franchise

America's Swimming Pool

Answering Surging Demand: How America’s Swimming Pool Is Emerging as the Go-To Franchise for Pool Services

americas-swimming-pool-company-franchise-growth

Right at Home

Image-of-Chrisy-Heiss-and-Nick-Powills-Right-at-Home-Story

Post-Acute Care Professional Turned Franchisee to Share Experience With Right at Home in Upcoming Franchise Education Webinar

right-at-home-chrisy-heiss-success

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

U.S. Government Shutdown - Impact on Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Government Shutdown Stalls SBA Loans: How the Shutdown Could Impact Franchises

government-shutdown-impacts-sba-loans-tourism-franchises

Subway Franchisees Resist Expensive Remodel Directives

subway-franchisees-resist-expensive-remodel-directives

The American Franchise Act: What It Means for Franchisors and Franchisees - 1851 Franchise

The American Franchise Act: What It Means for Franchisors and Franchisees

american-franchise-act-joint-employer-standard

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Begins Franchising To Grow Its Fellowship Model

jenis-splendid-ice-creams-begins-franchising-to-grow-its-fellowship-model

1851 Franchisee Spotlight with photo of Mike Rippey and Sola Salons logo

How This Former Franchisor Is Using His Industry Experience To Help Beauty Pros Thrive With Sola Salons Franchise

mike-rippey-sola-salons-franchisee

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Barb Volk and KidStrong logo

Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025

Image of Mindy and Chad Beale for right at home from cambden south carolina

Chad and Mindy Beale Channel Their Passion for Senior Care and Veteran Advocacy Into Their Right at Home Franchise in Camden, South Carolina

right-at-home-camden-sc-chad-mindy-beale

photo-of-laynes-chicken-fingers-dalton-dennis-southern-oregon

23-Year-Old Entrepreneur Brings Soon to Be Famous Chicken™ to Southern Oregon With 3-Unit Layne’s Chicken Fingers Franchise Signing

laynes-chicken-fingers-dalton-dennis-southern-oregon

Top Education Franchises To Consider for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Education Franchises To Consider Investing In for 2025

top-education-franchises-investment-opportunities

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Top Enrichment and Supplemental Education Franchises for 2025

top-enrichment-supplemental-education-franchises

Top Arts and Creative Learning Franchises for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Arts and Creative Learning Franchises for 2025

top-arts-creative-learning-franchises

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Former Melting Pot Employee, Now 7-Year Melting Pot Owner Celebrates Second Consecutive Restaurant of the Year Win

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS