Longtime Melting Pot Fans Sign To Bring Fondue Franchise to Memphis

Nancy and Mike Williams loved visiting Melting Pot, the national fondue franchise, with their kids. During one particular visit, Nancy casually asked, “Wouldn’t it be great to own one of these?” Mike didn’t hesitate to inquire, and he had a response from the franchise development team before they even left the restaurant that night.

Now, the pair is beginning development for their new restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, with hopes to build a family business and legacy with the brand. With plans to launch in early 2027, the Williamses are combining their interest in the hospitality industry with a desire to build a family asset while bringing a beloved fondue experience to the community.

The Williamses sat down with 1851 Franchise to talk about their family franchising venture with Melting Pot. Here’s what they had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Mike Williams: I have had a very varied career. I was a member of the Tennessee General Assembly, a government relations executive and a whiskey maker. I’ve always been fascinated by and loved the hospitality industry. When Nancy and the kids expressed interest in doing this, I was all on board. We see this as a way to set up something for our family to carry on — something they can always count on.

Nancy Williams: We are lifelong residents of the Southeast and have spent our lives in Middle Tennessee. My professional background is in economic development and downtown revitalization. I served as the director of the Tennessee Main Street Program and the executive director of Downtown Franklin. Even though I’ve retired from the directorship, I still consult and have worked all over Tennessee helping communities thrive.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Nancy: I knew that we didn’t know enough about restaurants to create one on our own. If I had been in the restaurant business all my life, I might feel differently, but the franchise experience is very comforting.

Mike: This team obviously knows what they’re doing, and it means we don't have to reinvent the wheel each time.

I think people should know that franchising allows you to focus on the execution and the customer experience rather than worrying about the structural components of the business model.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Mike: The story actually starts in Orlando. We were sitting in a Melting Pot having dinner, and Nancy said, "Wouldn't it be great to own one of these?" I pulled out my phone, Googled “Melting Pot,” and found a contact email. I emailed them right there from the table. Before we even got up to leave, we had a response!

The greatest thing about Melting Pot is that it's not just going to dinner. It’s an experience — something you can enjoy with friends. It changes what would be another chicken-fried steak into an experience and an event with your loved ones.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Nancy: We’re currently looking at locations in Memphis. We’re excited about the St. Jude connection, and our son, Keel, who graduated from the University of Memphis, will be living there to help manage the business alongside a general manager.

Mike: We are looking at a first-quarter 2027 opening. We would love to get it open for the holidays in 2026, but realistic timelines point to early 2027. In the future, we would love to have a couple more. We just really love the concept.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Nancy: This is truly a family venture. Our kids, Keel and Emma, really wanted to do this. We are doing this to build a future for them.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Nancy: Assess your own skill sets honestly. If you don't have the background in a specific industry, lean on the expertise of a franchisor who does. Visiting their corporate headquarters and working with them for several months, we’ve been really impressed with their history, the data they provide and the attention to detail. All of that is very comforting when you're investing.

About Melting Pot

Founded in 1975, Melting Pot has offered a unique fondue dining experience for more than 50 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. The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. (TMPRI), headquartered in Tampa, Florida, is the franchisor of Melting Pot. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit www.meltingpotfranchise.com.