Melting Pot of Fort Myers was awarded Franchise of the Year for 2023 after a robust analysis of factors including sales growth, guest count growth, completion of training programs, how fast tables are turned over, guest reviews and more. The restaurant, which opened in 1988, was purchased in 2017 by former employees Chris Keys and Ian Ruppel, along with three other partners.

“We found out during an awards ceremony when they handed out the award,” Ruppel told the Fort Myers News-Press, referring to the corporate ceremony held Sept. 20 in Puerto Rico. “Our team did a great job. We are very proud.”

The group has worked hard to turn their Melting Pot location into something more than a standard fondue restaurant. They’ve worked diligently to maintain a high level of guest service while maintaining their community involvement following Hurricane Ian and making contributions to the franchise’s system-wide efforts to support St. Jude.

“What we do best is create connections with people,” Ruppel said. “We’ve seen first dates, first babies, kids graduating college. We create personal connections with all of them. Yes, we have the technical ability to give a great experience—a clean restaurant, great food. Then we add that personal touch.”

“We have a very good team,” added Ruppel. “It’s not Chris and I. We are like bumpers in bowling. We set boundaries, but they execute. Without our team, we would not be who we are.”

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