Melting Pot

With over 45 years of reputation building and 94 open restaurants,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">The Melting Pot</a>, the fondue franchise that focuses on experiential dining, has made a name for itself across the nation. After huddling to protect franchisees during the height of COVID and coming out of the pandemic on a growth trajectory, the concept is working to expand in Tennessee, Alabama, Texas and more.Here are 10 reasons why you should consider investing with the brand this year.<h3>A Passionate Team Makes All the Difference</h3><a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-reasons-to-buy-a-melting-pot-franchise-in-2023-2723328" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Melting Pot</a> team functions more like a family. It is clear that the leadership team is genuinely invested in what they do, and franchise owners can feel that.“One of the things that helped finalize the decision to invest was my initial meeting with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-benyo-1bb36a248/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-reasons-to-buy-a-melting-pot-franchise-in-2023-2723328" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Collin [Benyo]</a>,” explained&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dainasenatore/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-reasons-to-buy-a-melting-pot-franchise-in-2023-2723328" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Daina Senatore</a>, a new Connecticut franchisee. “I was almost sure by the end of the conversation. It was eye-opening and very inspirational. I can’t say exactly why; maybe it was his love for the brand.”In addition to the corporate support and enthusiasm franchisees receive, they consistently connect with other owners to discuss challenges, new ideas, best practices and other business development needs. While each owner is committed to the success of their own location, they are also working toward a shared goal — a stronger franchise system.<h3>The Melting Pot Is Synonymous with Fondue</h3>There are a few other fondue concepts on the market, but none have the reputation and reach of The Melting Pot. When guests think “fondue,” they think “Melting Pot.” Because The Melting Pot is a legacy brand, opening a location in your community positions you to become&nbsp;the go-to fondue spot in the community.<h3>Lean Kitchen Requirements and Simple Operations</h3>A simple kitchen model and straightforward operations reduce overhead costs and simplify staffing. Because guests largely cook their own food at the table, the majority of kitchen work is cold prep rather than advanced cooking. This eliminates the need for an experienced chef in-house and lends itself to a shorter ramping-up period for new kitchen hires.&nbsp;<h3>The Brand Embraces Growth and Evolution</h3>With nearly 50 years of history, The Melting Pot has found an attractive balance of leveraging a well-known brand while adjusting where necessary to keep up with the times. Most recently, the brand embraced its Melting Pot Evolution effort, a push to remodel all restaurants in the system to embrace a more modern look that maximizes space while maintaining the welcoming Melting Pot feel.This adjustment is already paying off with CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-johnston-4b6b0a4a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-reasons-to-buy-a-melting-pot-franchise-in-2023-2723328" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob Johnston</a> noting a 16 percentage point increase in 2022 unit-level sales for remodeled locations compared to those that had not yet undergone remodeling.<h3>Strong Growth Year after Year</h3>Aside from performance pushes associated with remodeling, The Melting Pot is performing well at a baseline. At the start of the pandemic, the leadership team made a conscious decision to back off of development efforts and shift its attention toward helping existing owners survive the shutdowns and economic uncertainties that were on the horizon.This choice paid off, and the network came out of the pandemic on an upward trajectory. In 2022, for example, 74 restaurants achieved all-time sales records.<h3>Support You Can Count On</h3>From the start of the process, franchisees can count on education, training and support on topics including marketing, operations and potential expansion frameworks. Even after the initial training period, owners have access to one-on-one and group coaching sessions to continue to drive success following the day of the grand opening.<h3>Operations Support from Those with In-Restaurant Experience</h3>The Melting Pot’s operational playbook has been developed and honed over the span of decades. Notably, these guidelines were developed by individuals who have firsthand in-restaurant experience, and franchisees receive guidance through each step to ensure they have the operational framework necessary.<h3>Real Estate Is Demystified</h3>Real estate selection can be a sizable hurdle for new franchisees, especially when they’re trying to navigate the process alone. The Melting Pot not only supports franchisees but has a dedicated in-house team of experts that provide input throughout the process, helping with site selection, weighing in on design and construction, and even providing support should an owner choose to pursue new construction or a renovation project.<h3>Strong Sales Potential</h3>The Melting Pot business model has a strong potential for return on investment. According to the brand’s&nbsp;<a href="https://meltingpotfranchise.com/the-investment/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-reasons-to-buy-a-melting-pot-franchise-in-2023-2723328" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">2023 Franchise Disclosure Document</a>,&nbsp;franchisees generated average total sales for the lowest third and highest third of franchised restaurants of between $1,594,286 and $3,720,152. For the 12 month period ending March 31, 2023, the highest-performing location had over $9 million in sales.<h3>Strong Community Connections</h3>Long recognized as the place to gather, celebrate and connect, The Melting Pot is a clear staple in many communities. However, its connection goes further.&nbsp;This year, the brand is celebrating its 20th anniversary of partnering with&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/StJude?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-reasons-to-buy-a-melting-pot-franchise-in-2023-2723328" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®</a> to support the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. From mid-October through the end of the year, Melting Pot guests have an opportunity to donate $10 to the campaign. For each donation, guests receive a Donate &amp; Dine card valid for $20 off a future purchase of at least $50 at The Melting Pot. So far, the brand has donated over $13 million to St. Jude’s.With strong momentum gained at the start of the year, Benyo said the brand is looking to continue along its growth trajectory. He is looking to finalize up to eight more franchise agreements before the end of the year.“Our goal at the start of our most recent development campaign was to focus on the Southeast — Texas, Alabama, South Carolina and Florida,” said Benyo. “We see a lot of momentum in those states specifically, but we’re seeing inquiries from prospective franchisees nationwide and welcome those conversations.”Total investments range from $1.3 million–$2 million. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-reasons-to-buy-a-melting-pot-franchise-in-2023-2723328" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/.</a>&nbsp;

10 Reasons to Buy a Melting Pot Franchise in 2023

1851 Franchise

The iconic fondue franchise offers strong brand recognition, robust franchisee support and attractive financials for entrepreneurs looking to grow in the restaurant space.

This brand page has been paid for by MELTING POT. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

10-reasons-to-buy-a-melting-pot-franchise-in-2023

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Own a Melting Pot

Melting Pot Growth

Franchisee Highlight

Innovative Retail Strategies

Celebrating 50+ Years of Business

Learn

Visit Website

MELTING POT

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

Melting Pot Evolution Sets the Stage for the Next 50 Years

Melting Pot Expands Its Flavor Story With Seasonal Menus and Retail Line

Melting Pot Wraps Up 2025 With 4 Restaurants Opened, 3 Additional Franchises Awarded and Continued Expansion Momentum

MELTING POT MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT MELTING POT

CONTACT MELTING POT

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

City

State / Province

Why are you interested in owning a Melting Pot?

Fondue Franchise Opportunities

TAMPA, Fla.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com">Melting Pot</a>, the iconic 94-unit fondue franchise, closed its 50th year with achievements in both unit-level success and franchise development momentum. In addition to opening four restaurants in New Haven, Connecticut; Syracuse, New York; Rogers, Arkansas; and St. Petersburg, Florida; the team awarded three more development agreements, drove franchisee success with continued&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/evolution-design-2731008">Melting Pot Evolution</a> remodels and supported a growing retail presence with the launch of Melting Pot at Home across over 2,500 grocery locations.“Last year was a milestone year for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a>,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-r-crawford-784a0810/">John “JC” Crawford</a>. “Our 50th anniversary was one to remember. Melting Pot continued to deliver the atmosphere and unique menu that guests know and love, driving our sales performance and maintaining our status as the go-to fondue concept. We saw a surge in franchise development with multiple signings and openings, setting the stage for another great year of growth and partnership with entrepreneurs committed to their communities and delivering the Perfect Night Out.”As the brand celebrated its Golden Anniversary, the team continued to support systemwide remodeling efforts, updating long-standing locations in line with new, modern brand standards. The Melting Pot Evolution remodel, while embracing a new look and feel, has proven to be a strategic driver of business, as well. The new St. Petersburg location, which launched with the new design, reported a per-person check average of over $70, outpacing the national average of $61. The Rogers location, which opened in November, had the third-highest weekly sales of the entire system in the first week of December.In addition to meaningful change throughout the system, Melting Pot drove community change with its ongoing commitment to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stjude.org/">St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital</a>. After raising $1.17 million in 2024, the system raised a record-breaking $1.23 million with its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpot.com/blog/melting-pot-launches-22nd-annual-st--jude-thanks-and-giving-campaign-benefiting-st--jude-childrens-research-hospital/">2025 Thanks and Giving® campaign</a>. To date, Melting Pot has raised over $18 million for the organization and stands alongside global giants like Target and Microsoft in its level of contribution.Looking forward to a strong 2026, Melting Pot is targeting expansion in Las Vegas; South Florida; San Jose, California; Providence, Rhode Island; Provo, Utah; Greensboro, North Carolina; Eugene, Oregon; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Houston and The Woodlands, Texas. The brand’s continuing Golden Anniversary Incentive will support franchisees looking to develop in these markets.The first five new-construction franchise agreements signed beginning July 1, 2025, will receive 50% off the initial franchise fee — a savings of $22,500. This special offer is available through March 31, 2026, or until five qualifying agreements are signed, whichever comes first. With two new-construction development agreements already signed, there are just three slots remaining. The incentive applies exclusively to new builds.Melting Pot’s continued success is only bolstered by strides made in the retail space in 2025, with Melting Pot at Home cheese and chocolate fondue now made available in over 2,500 grocers nationwide and cheese fondue available in select Publix locations during the holiday season.“As a legacy brand, Melting Pot is not a concept that needs to open dozens of new restaurants per year to represent success,” Crawford said. “Last year, we focused on intentional growth with high-quality partners, brand growth through Melting Pot Evolution, and increased awareness through our retail channels. These successes, in combination with our four new openings, signal strong momentum and a bright future for Melting Pot in 2026.”About Melting PotFounded 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 94 restaurants in 32 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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.meltingpotfranchise.com">www.meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.&nbsp;

meltingpot-2025growth

As&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com">Melting Pot</a>, the iconic fondue franchise, celebrates its landmark 50th anniversary, the system is celebrating major progress in its&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/melting-pot-evolution-the-future-of-the-melting-pot-franchise-2728124#stories">Melting Pot Evolution</a> redesign program. The systemwide initiative, which encompasses both new and existing locations, is a push to modernize the design of the brand, streamline operations and revolutionize the guest experience.&nbsp;While all new&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a> locations are built with the Melting Pot Evolution design, existing locations have been remodeled in waves, and this effort is expected to be complete by summer 2026. This evolution is more than aesthetic, though that is a major facet. The new design also represents a strategic pivot designed to broaden Melting Pot’s appeal with increased dining options and flexibility for the evolving consumer, and the results are already validating the strategy.New locations in St. Petersburg, Florida, New Haven, Connecticut, and Rogers, Arkansas, are shattering national averages in select key performance metrics, driven by a design that puts the bar front and center and invites guests to dine on their own terms, and remodeled locations are receiving enthusiastic approval from guests and team members alike as they reopen post-renovation.<h2>Proof in the Numbers</h2>The financial impact of the Melting Pot Evolution design is undeniable. The new St. Petersburg location, which opened in April, reports a per-person average of $70.50, which is significantly higher than the national year-to-date average of $61. Similarly, New Haven, which opened in May, boasts a PPA of $64.18. In the first week of December, Rogers, which opened in November, had the third-highest sales week in the system.A key driver of this growth is the reimagined bar experience.&nbsp;In the past, Melting Pot bars were often tucked away or inactive. The Melting Pot Evolution design places them as focal points, leading to a surge in alcohol sales. St. Pete’s alcohol product mix sits at 23.7% (the highest in the system) while New Haven follows closely at 17.1%. Both are well above the national average of 12.1%, proving that the new design successfully captures the high-margin "happy hour" and casual dining crowd.<h2>A New Era in St. Pete</h2>For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/celinda-norton-347a1bb">Celinda Norton</a>, general manager of the St. Pete location, the new design represents a necessary leap forward. Having operated nine Melting Pot locations over her career, she views the move to the vibrant Central Avenue district as a game-changer."We are at the beginning of the next 50 years," Norton said. "Fifty years ago, people wanted to dine for the whole evening. Now, we still have those guests, but we also have generations with busy lives who want to come, eat, have fun and leave."In addition to the bar being more of a focal point in St. Pete than it was in previous locations, a unique garage-style door that opens to the street further integrates the bar and overall restaurant with the bustling city.”<img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1765976491_image.png">"A Melting Pot bar is not the type of place where you’d go for happy hour if it were buried in the back," Norton said. "Here, the bar is front and center, and it’s a huge draw. We have guests who come for a reservation and ask to sit at the bar instead, and we have guests who visit just for a drink and quick chocolate fondue at the bar."<h2>Balancing Tradition and Modernity in New Haven</h2>In New Haven, franchisees&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-reeve-5a62271">Jonathan</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dainasenatore">Daina Reeve</a>, long-time guests who decided to open a Melting Pot after they learned their favorite local unit would be closing, noted that the new look initially shocked some loyalists, but even the most traditional guests have come to love the Melting Pot Evolution look."We underestimated how many people missed Melting Pot," Daina said. "People walk in, and there is an immediate reaction. The modern feel shocks them at first because they are used to the traditional, dark, secluded booths. But after experiencing it, they see it as an evolution. They see Melting Pot making changes to stay with the times."The Reeves emphasized that, while the design is open and airy with quartz finishes and modern lighting, the soul of the brand remains."We shouldn’t lose sight of what makes Melting Pot what it is," Jonathan said. "For example, Lovers' Lane is still there. It’s the only place where you can have an intimate dinner for two and feel secluded. It’s nice to mix the old with the new."While the new design does “mix the old with the new,” Daina pointed out that the modern aesthetic has been carefully curated and still aligns with the warm, welcoming atmosphere guests expect from Melting Pot. The spaces don’t feel “cold” like some modern designs can."I personally think that the new design has amazing textures," she said. "For such a modern space, it feels like you're kind of in your living room. We have a fireplace, candle walls and really well-done focal points that make the restaurant super special."<h2>Building From the Ground Up in Arkansas</h2>For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-r-hickerson-69880923/">Chad Hickerson</a> and Candice Bright, the owners of the newly opened Rogers, Arkansas, location, the Melting Pot Evolution design offered a clean slate. Unlike retrofits, their location was built from the ground up with the new aesthetic in mind."It’s just really a clean restaurant," Candice said. “The focal features, like the bar and the ADA seating, are really beautiful. I’m really proud of the design.”<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.instagram.com/themeltingpotnwa/reel/DQ9WkPIEVyk/"><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><iframe src="//cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&amp;api_key=fd3b6b3731f34f55ba1fe3&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fthemeltingpotnwa%2Freel%2FDQ9WkPIEVyk%2F" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div></figure>"I had struggled with feeling like I was walking into a 1970s home in the old designs," Chad said. "The modernization fits a whole lot better. It’s much more open.”The Rogers location features distinct design elements like an aquifer water-vapor fireplace and sunk-in booths. And, thanks to the diversity in design, with anything from booths to high-top tables and bar seating, the restaurant has the perfect seating option for any occasion. Chad describes the different areas like different “neighborhoods” within the space.“You can come six times, sit in six different places and feel like you’ve gone to six different restaurants," he said.<h2>What Melting Pot Evolution Means for the Future of the Brand</h2>With the Melting Pot Evolution project close to wrapping up, the brand is set up well for what comes next. Early results from St. Pete and New Haven show that the move to a more open, bar-forward design is not only bringing in new guests but also giving longtime regulars a fresh reason to come back.As the franchise moves past its 50th year, the modern design serves as a physical signal that Melting Pot is evolving alongside its guests and franchise owners, all to the benefit of the brand and guest experience."We have seen the reaction of those who haven't been to a newly remodeled Melting Pot before or in some time," said Franchise Growth Strategist&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-benyo-1bb36a248">Collin Benyo</a>. “From prospects to vendors to previous guests, the reaction is overwhelmingly positive.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info.</a>&nbsp;

10 Reasons to Buy a Melting Pot Franchise in 2023

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS