Melting Pot

Fondue restaurants were all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s, but the trend has faded over the years. The one exception?&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot">The Melting Pot.&nbsp;</a><a href="https://meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=google&amp%3Butm_medium=search-frandev&amp%3Butm_campaign=mainland_1851-franchise_search-march-2023&amp%3Butm_content=&amp%3Butm_term=&amp%3Bgclid=CjwKCAjw4P6oBhBsEiwAKYVkq34KRNMg0HgQ-pA6moSyKIEeBn87PszrRvHprtk_rFF1QWIfFH4F1hoCEIcQAvD_BwE&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=forbes-how-the-melting-pot-fondue-restaurant-keeps-thriving-after-48-years-2723883" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Melting Pot</a>, the popular fondue franchise, has been around for 48 years and expanded to 95 locations, including 91 franchise units. The brand operates in 29 states, with one additional location in Edmonton, Canada.&nbsp;The continued success of the brand can be attributed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/high-end-restaurant-franchise-growth-how-melting-pot-cornered-the-experiential-dining-category-2721432#featured">interactive entertainment</a> it provides and the way it is “catering to what people want, enabling them to connect with each other, family members and good friends, and nervous first dates, as well,” said CEO of Front Burner Brands and The Melting Pot,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-johnston-4b6b0a4a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=forbes-how-the-melting-pot-fondue-restaurant-keeps-thriving-after-48-years-2723883" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob Johnston</a>, to Forbes.&nbsp;The Melting Pot is particularly known as a restaurant choice for special occasions. “Guests don’t eat with us every week. We are where you go when you want to treat yourself to a special meal,” Johnston told Forbes. The menu has been adapted with this in mind, now offering a Big Night Out special that includes four courses: cheese fondue, salad, entrée fondue and dessert. This bundled meal costs $110 and serves two people.&nbsp;However, for those who do not desire such a hearty meal, the menu has lower-calorie options, including vegan cheese selections and lean cuts of meat served in broth.&nbsp;<h3>Many Target Markets Enjoy Fondue</h3>The Melting Pot’s target audience is wide and varied. Customers of the fondue restaurant include, “young people choosing to celebrate a report card, graduation or proms; young adults starting to date; couples who haven’t been able to connect but get a babysitter and dine out with friends; and often multi-generation families of three generations,” explained Johnston.&nbsp;Most Melting Pot restaurants are located in affluent neighborhoods, particularly suburban communities with a dense population. Although none are currently located in New York City, Los Angeles or Chicago, the brand is now considering the option of entering larger cities such as these.<h3>Finding the Right Franchisees</h3>To continue its growth, Melting Pot prioritizes finding the right franchisees. The right franchisee, as Johnston told Forbes, is “someone who is passionate about hospitality and derives enjoyment from throwing a party every night for the guest. If that’s not part of your make-up, you’re not an ideal Melting Pot franchisee.” In addition, Johnston notes that franchisees must understand the risks involved in business ownership and feel motivated by that.The Melting Pot expects to open eight or nine new locations by the end of this year, and another eight or nine next year to surpass 100 locations.&nbsp;When Forbes asked Johnston what he thought the key was to the brand’s continued success, he narrowed it down to three aspects: strong franchisee partnerships, a great guest experience and building brand awareness so guests know exactly what to expect for their night out at The Melting Pot.&nbsp;To read the full article, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystern/2023/07/19/how-the-melting-pot-fondue-restaurant-keeps-thriving-after-48-years/?sh=1d04d80069cd&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=forbes-how-the-melting-pot-fondue-restaurant-keeps-thriving-after-48-years-2723883" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here.&nbsp;</a>For more information on franchising with Melting Pot, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=high-end-restaurant-franchise-growth-how-melting-pot-cornered-the-experiential-dining-category-2721432&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=forbes-how-the-melting-pot-fondue-restaurant-keeps-thriving-after-48-years-2723883" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.

Forbes: How The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant Keeps Thriving After 48 Years

1851 Franchise

The Melting Pot has retained its popularity for nearly half a century all thanks to the brand's focus on franchisee partnerships and the guest experience. 

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

forbes-how-the-melting-pot-fondue-restaurant-keeps-thriving-after-48-years

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 94-unit experiential fondue franchise, is launching a strategic push to expand its footprint across Canada. Following a surge in inquiries from Canada, specifically, and strong growth in 2025, including four new restaurants opened and three additional franchises awarded, Melting Pot is looking to build on that momentum. With an Edmonton location, which has been operating for over 15 years, the brand already has a flagship spot and has identified a key opportunity to build on that presence through 2026 and beyond.“We saw a lot more people reaching out from Toronto and Calgary; we saw a need,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-benyo-1bb36a248">Collin Benyo</a>, Franchise Growth Strategist. “There’s already a fondue culture ingrained in Canada, and there’s nothing else like what we do in the country, not the four-course experience we provide. This unique positioning, combined with our existing footprint in Edmonton, sets us up well for growth.”<a href="http://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a> has identified Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa as core hubs for expansion. Now, the team is looking to partner with qualified entrepreneurs who are intimately familiar with the hospitality landscape in Canada to open between one and five new restaurants by 2030.As it pursues growth in Canada, Melting Pot is focused on finding the right franchise partners who bring hospitality experience and intimate knowledge of the market. This will ensure Melting Pot is able to build an incredible foundation and set the stage for its “presence to be felt just as it is in the U.S.”“As we grow in Canada, we’re specifically looking for people who are familiar with the hospitality industry and understand the demands of running a hospitality franchise&nbsp;in Canada. It’s a different approach,” Benyo said.By prioritizing partners with strong roots in the Canadian market, Melting Pot will leverage shared expertise to navigate the nuances of labor and supply chain requirements, maintaining a model that protects franchisees’ margins and respects guests’ expectations from day one rather than retrofitting a U.S. strategy after doors open. In fact, Melting Pot only requires three products to be imported outside of Canada, and has identified local Canadian options for all other purchases necessary to operate a Melting Pot.To support this momentum, the brand is launching a thorough outreach campaign that will culminate with the Toronto Franchise Show September 19-20, 2026. This period will include local open houses and direct conversations with prospective investors to build a long runway in the country.“We are a brand that fits the culture of Canada perfectly,” Benyo said. “We’ve refined our operational and purchasing game plans, and we’re excited to connect with the right partners who will help the brand to thrive in the growing market.”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;

Photo of exterior of Melting Pot location

Melting Pot Announces Strategic Expansion Across Canada, Targets Major Hubs for New Growth

canada-franchise-expansion

Photo of interior of Melting Pot restaurant

Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

melting-pot-return-to-lexington

Photo of Melting Pot CEO John "JC" Crawford

Melting Pot Names New CEO, Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Continued Growth and Leadership Promotions

melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025

Photo of Melting Pot fondue spread with cheese and chocolate, bread, meats and fruits

Crain’s Detroit Business: Fondue Restaurant Plans Michigan Expansion

melting-pot-michigan-expansion

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

Forbes: How The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant Keeps Thriving After 48 Years

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS