Melting Pot

For more than 40 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=high-end-restaurant-franchise-growth-how-melting-pot-cornered-the-experiential-dining-category-2721432" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melting Pot</a> has stood out as a successful and unique dining concept. However, in the last few years, the 97-unit fondue restaurant has seen exponential growth and continues to steadily expand thanks to its dedicated leadership team and passionate franchise owners.&nbsp;1851 Franchise Publisher <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/powills?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=high-end-restaurant-franchise-growth-how-melting-pot-cornered-the-experiential-dining-category-2721432" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nick Powills</a> and Melting Pot CEO <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-johnston-4b6b0a4a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=high-end-restaurant-franchise-growth-how-melting-pot-cornered-the-experiential-dining-category-2721432" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob Johnston</a> sat down in a recent webinar to discuss the brand’s growth and how it has cornered this unique dining category.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUPw9REBQU4&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=high-end-restaurant-franchise-growth-how-melting-pot-cornered-the-experiential-dining-category-2721432" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUPw9REBQU4</a>Why Melting Pot, Why Now?Melting Pot has been around since 1975, but the brand has seen significant growth in the last two years. In 2022, at least 74 of their restaurants set all-time sales records. According to Johnston, there’s never been a better time for franchisees to get involved with the brand, and they’re currently looking for new business opportunities.“Most of the world doesn’t even realize the Melting Pot is a franchise,” says Johnston. “If we could tell the world that business opportunities are available here with the Melting Pot, we would love to do that.”Johnston and his two older brothers got involved with the brand fairly early on and were some of Melting Pot’s first franchisees. Decades later, he suggests one of the factors that has contributed to the brand’s growth is the support they give to its team of entrepreneurial franchisees.“Our heroic cause is helping people achieve the dream of business ownership.”Product and Experience InnovationWhen it comes to its differentiators, Johnston believes there are no restaurants that offer an experience like the one customers have grown to love at the Melting Pot.“One of the great strengths of the Melting Pot is the unique selling proposition of the brand,” says Johnston. “We are the only brand that exists in the fondue category.”Because the Melting Pot stands alone in the fondue category, Johnston believes it’s hard to draw comparisons to other restaurant brands. Melting Pot doesn’t have the sort of competition that many other restaurants have to face off against like pizzerias or burger joints. And unlike other experiential dining concepts like Medieval Times or Brazilian steakhouses, Melting Pot stands out as an affordable option for customers.&nbsp;“We’re completely different from virtually anybody else,” says Johnston.Success of Existing Melting Pot FranchiseesOne reason the Melting Pot has seen such steady growth is because of its dedicated team of franchisees. Johnston says most of the brand’s franchisees have devoted themselves entirely to the restaurant brand because it presents them with a solid work-life balance that satisfies their business and personal needs.Over the years, Johnston, who started his food service career washing dishes for his brothers, says he’s also seen a number of other franchisees first come into the Melting Pot system as servers. They then go on to get promoted to managers. Over time, many have branched out to become owners of their own locations. As a result, he says those franchisees have started investing in business leaders within their organization, who also go on to open their own locations.Johnston also says their current owners and operators have helped the brand reach new prospective franchisees outside of their system by validating “why the Melting Pot as a concept, as a business model and as a franchise system is a great investment.”Franchisee Opportunity and SupportWhen it comes to supporting new franchisees, Johnston says the Melting Pot is behind its new owners “from the word ‘go.’”&nbsp;According to him, the Melting Pot franchise network is like a family because that’s how they view their franchisees, as strategic partners who have become a part of their family.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If you go to our annual meeting, which we call the franchise family reunion, you will see these franchisees who are so close to one another,” says Johnston. “They know each other. They know each other’s families. They care about one another, and they support one another. And that same level of involvement within the franchise community isn’t limited to the franchise community. We, as the franchisor, are joined at the hip with our franchisees and are a big part of their success, along with their commitment and hard work.”How Much Does It Cost to Own a Melting Pot?The initial investment to open a Melting Pot franchise can range between $1.2 to $1.6 million, including a $45,000 franchise fee. Johnston says he recognizes that the cost to open a Melting Pot franchise is by no means a small investment, but it’s important to also consider the growth of the brand’s average unit volumes.“When you look at the first-year sales or average sales versus the initial investment, it’s a really healthy ratio,” says Johnston. “I think this is what is appealing to folks that have done this before.”Another business opportunity that makes the Melting Pot appealing, Johnston suggests, is the brand’s check average. Melting Pot is not fast food or casual dining; it’s an experiential dining experience. Because of this, Johnston says their check average falls into the low-to-mid range of $50 per person. Yet, Johnston says, consumers don’t typically view Melting Pot as a high-priced white tablecloth sort of restaurant.“This is the best of both worlds,” he says. “We have a high check average, but we’re not viewed as something that’s unapproachable by the consumer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Why Melting Pot Is the Right Opportunity for YouWhile the uniqueness of the concept cannot be emphasized enough, Johnston says it’s not just the food that separates Melting Pot from other restaurant brands.“We have tremendous strength within the concept,” he explains. “Our consumers are emotionally attached to the brand.”According to Johnston, many of their guests have a high affinity for Melting Pot and have chosen the restaurant as their go-to place to celebrate milestones or moments in their lives. The restaurant has become more than a place to dine, but also a place to create memories and gather with friends and family.“It’s as much about what’s going on around the fondue pot as it is what’s in that fondue pot,” he said.Franchisee Support Framework UnpackedMelting Pot offers an abundance of support to help get new franchisees off the ground running. The brand’s leadership team provides help with site selection, and will help franchisees pick the right market and location in that market. They will even help forecast the sales potential within that area. Additionally, they also provide construction and design support, and have an in-house team dedicated to assisting with new construction projects and renovations. There’s an ample amount of training provided, which includes prior-to-opening, at-opening and subsequent to-opening.“We have a team of seasoned experienced restaurant veterans who help our franchisees,” he says. “They’re not there just dealing with compliance issues. They’re there helping that franchisee maximize the business potential of their location.”&nbsp;Everyone on their executive leadership team also knows each franchisee personally and directly. As part of that, the leadership team makes themselves available to franchisees at all times to help them continue scaling their business.Melting Pot CEO Vision and Leadership PhilosophyWhen it comes to Johnston’s leadership philosophy, he says Melting Pot is about more than just serving food. He says the brand’s mission to help individuals achieve their dream of business ownership is a big part of their goal. Also, he wants to ensure that their guests are provided with the perfect night out—“whatever that looks like for them.”“We don’t take this lightly, it’s not an obligation, it’s an opportunity to serve,” says Johnston. “Our leadership model is based upon servant leadership.”&nbsp;As a franchisor, he confirms that Melting Pot is dedicated to serving its franchisees, stakeholders, team members, business leaders and its “loyal, committed and engaged customers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Melting Pot Culture and Core ValuesMelting Pot invests heavily in the success of its franchisees. In fact, according to Johnston, the leadership team doesn’t even refer to its Tampa, Florida-based headquarters as a “corporate headquarters.” Instead, they refer to it as their “restaurant support center.”“Our success comes from our franchisees’ success,” says Johnston.&nbsp;The restaurant support center has a team of about 60 people between the Tampa location and in the field, who are actively working to assist franchisees whenever they need.#1 Roadblock to Owning a Melting Pot and How Melting Pot Solves ItJohnston says he loves when prospective franchisees have prior restaurant experience. However, individuals who have never worked in the restaurant industry should not be dissuaded. He believes a roadblock that some may consider while applying to own a franchise is their possible lack of experience.&nbsp;“We have a lot of very successful franchisees that have never worked in this industry before,” says Johnston. “But they have the right wiring and the right service aptitude, mixed with good business skills in order to be successful.”He also believes some might be hesitant to franchise with Melting Pot because it’s a “niche concept.” However, he says, Melting Pot’s uniqueness and the fact that it stands out among other restaurants that serve ordinary everyday food is a “great strength of the brand.”The Future Experience of Melting PotOn the consumer side of things, Johnston says most of the time their guests make reservations in order to dine at Melting Pot. Recently, their team has built new tools that can measure how many guests want to eat at a Melting Pot location on a certain night but aren’t able to because the restaurant either doesn’t have time or table space available. This discovery, Johnston says, has made the brand realize they have a massive and unmet demand that needs to be filled. Melting Pot is growing to meet that demand and to serve as many guests as possible. Moving forward, the Melting Pot team is looking for qualified franchise prospects to help reach 125 units by 2026.“This has been a very difficult time for our industry, to be able to boast the best performance that the brand has ever seen through that,” says Johnston. “I think this is a great testimony that we have a winning team, a winning product and experience for the consumer.”You can watch the full conversation by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/NUPw9REBQU4?feature=share&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=high-end-restaurant-franchise-growth-how-melting-pot-cornered-the-experiential-dining-category-2721432" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">clicking here</a>.For more information on franchising with Melting Pot, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=high-end-restaurant-franchise-growth-how-melting-pot-cornered-the-experiential-dining-category-2721432" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.

High End Restaurant Franchise Growth: How Melting Pot Cornered the Experiential Dining Category

1851 Franchise

https://www.youtube.com/embed/NUPw9REBQU4

Melting Pot CEO Bob Johnston discusses how the brand has cornered the unique dining category and how they’re committed to growing the restaurant franchise in the future.


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

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Over its 50-plus-year history,&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com">Melting Pot</a>, the 93-unit fondue franchise, has built its reputation around service and experiential dining, encouraging its guests to focus on an engaging experience and welcoming atmosphere with the ones they love. As it has grown,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a> has also been a part of a rapidly evolving restaurant landscape, and the brand has navigated new technologies and guest behaviors to embrace new tools and maintain local success without straying too far from its core identity. Now,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-barnett-1a948a9/">Randy Barnett</a>, chief technology officer, is navigating today’s changing technology landscape in a way that embraces what will work while staying level-headed and always putting the guest and franchisee experience first.“Our responsibility is to implement systems, support those systems, then future-proof the business,” he said. “In a nutshell, that’s what we do from a technology perspective. But we don’t just chase trends. It’s about protecting the guest experience and strengthening the franchise model. We have a pretty simple goal: to make it easy for the guests to connect with our brand and easy for operators to deliver on that exceptional experience every day.”<h2>Focusing on Data First Creates a Strong Foundation</h2>New restaurant technology trends and resources are consistently evolving, but Barnett doesn’t embrace them across the Melting Pot system “just because.” Without a foundation, additional technology doesn’t bring value; it creates confusion.&nbsp;So, Barnett has focused intently on building a “reliable data environment” with standardized reporting structures and modernized systems. With this as a baseline, he’s able to more strategically implement new tools and ensure they’re actually helping Melting Pot operators and their guests rather than further complicating processes for no real benefit.The increasing relevance of artificial intelligence has been a prime example of why this strategy is so important.“AI is putting its footprint everywhere,” Barnett said. “For us, before we could start taking advantage of AI, or any modern technology, for that matter, we started building foundations. That meant cleaning up data, creating standardized reporting, modernizing our systems… just making sure that we could really trust what we were seeing. Once you have the clean data and strong infrastructure,&nbsp;then you can start scaling technology in a way that’s meaningful and consistent.”<h2>Practical AI Applications With a Hospitality-First Philosophy</h2>With the proper foundation in place, Melting Pot has been able to embrace new tools and technologies as they have become available to reduce friction and increase the overall quality of experience for the guest.&nbsp;This has come in many forms. Melting Pot has adopted AI tools to support stronger hyper-localized communication and better guest engagement, create a better ticketing system and reduce response time for franchisees reaching out to the Restaurant Support Center, and bolster in-restaurant guest interactions and streamline labor and prep forecasting and requirements. The brand is also working on a new allergen and nutritional intelligence tool to help guests make more informed dining decisions while maintaining compliance for franchisees.Even with all of these tools and processes on board, Melting Pot is still a hospitality-first brand, and Barnett keeps that in mind as he evaluates and rolls out new technology initiatives.“We always lead with the fact that the best restaurant technology is invisible to your guest,” he said. “If we’re doing it right, the guest just feels like the experience is smoother. It’s more personal and more consistent. The most important thing is that we don’t lose what makes the brand special. Melting Pot is about celebration, connection and experience, and technology shouldn’t get in the way of that. It should just make it easier for our teams to deliver that.”<h2>The Future of Melting Pot, Driven by a Broader Perspective</h2>In addition to his tenure with Melting Pot and deep commitment to the hospitality aspect of the brand, Barnett brings additional perspectives from his role on external advisory boards. Through these connections, Barnett stays at the forefront of the industry and is able to both keep an eye out for new tools that will be useful for Melting Pot and hear different perspectives that allow him to differentiate between the next big thing and industry “noise.”“Being a part of some external advisory boards, particularly of AI companies, helps me stay close to where the innovation is going,” he said. “It gives me some early visibility into what’s real and what’s hype and what’s actually practical for operators. The value is the perspective that helps me make better decisions as a brand leader and helps me ensure we’re not caught reacting late to something that’s already reshaping the industry.”With this in mind, Barnett watches what’s coming in the industry while remaining extremely disciplined about what will truly drive the future of Melting Pot that guests and operators are looking for. As the brand looks toward its next decades of operations, it will continue to merge technical precision and the warmth of celebration and togetherness in a way that makes sense for everyone impacted by the experience.“Everything we implement is designed to create leverage for franchisees,” Barnett said. “Restaurants are high-pressure environments, and operators don’t just need more dashboards. They need more clarity and impact. Our technologies help them simplify decisions by allowing them to see what matters most — what guests are saying, what’s working in marketing and where opportunities are being missed. I believe that the future belongs to brands that can deliver the hospitality experience with the precision of a modern platform, and that’s really what we’re focused on doing.” To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot">https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot</a>.&nbsp;

image of Randy Barnett Chief Technology Officer at the melting pot

Chief Technology Officer Randy Barnett leverages his decades of experience to lead a fondue franchise system that embraces innovation without losing sight of what makes it special.

Melting Pot’s Technology Combines a Modern Edge With a Hospitality Spirit

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Melting Pot Breaks Records in Q1, Including Unprecedented Valentine’s Day Sales and Highest-Ever St. Jude Thanks and Giving® Donation

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Melting Pot’s Experience-First Model Wins the Battle for Guest Attention and Loyalty

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As&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com">Melting Pot</a>, the 93-unit fondue franchise, celebrates Women’s History Month, there is a clear spotlight shining on Bentonville, Arkansas, where mother-daughter duo Diana Bonnett and Candice Hickerson are leading the successful operation of the brand’s first location in the state. For the pair, bringing the iconic fondue brand to Arkansas was the next step in a long-term business partnership built around trust, grit and shared entrepreneurial spirit.“As the daughter, my mom and stepdad owned a construction company when I was very young. Being in a family business… I don’t know any different,” Hickerson said. “By the time I was seven or eight, I was in their office. I always saw them working. I think because I grew up in it, seeing my parents earn their money and understanding how much each family member needs to contribute, it made it easy to transition to business ownership when I was old enough.”In her early 20s, Hickerson approached her mother with research and a business plan to start a group home for children and adults with disabilities, and they began growing this concept together.<h2>The Transition to the Hospitality Industry</h2>Hickerson and Bonnett operated the residential care facilities business for about 20 years in California before the family began considering relocating outside of California. Around this time, Hickerson was on a date with her husband,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-r-hickerson-69880923/">Chad</a>, at the Sacramento&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a> location, one of their favorite restaurants, and they thought, “Why don’t we open a Melting Pot?”The family ended up moving to Arkansas, noting that Bentonville is particularly suited for the Melting Pot model.As they’ve made the transition to a new state and opened their new Melting Pot restaurant, Hickerson and Bonnett have stayed true to the family business model.“Owning a business is hard, but you have your hands in everything,” Bonnett said. “You’re accountable for the business, but you can feel confident knowing you have a hand in the future of the business. Just standing back and not being active in the business isn’t our style. Business ownership is great. I wish more women did it.”While the pair recognized taking the leap to a new industry would be a risk, it was a calculated, well-researched one, and they took the step with confidence in each other and their ability to work as a team.“We’re in the process of transitioning right now,” Hickerson added. “We have one business that’s been operating for almost 20 years and another brand new one. We’re starting from square one with Melting Pot. We’re still working to scale and reinvest in the business. People don’t always tell you how hard business ownership can be; we’re back to a point where we’re expecting three solid years of hard work with Melting Pot, but we also see the bigger picture. Risk is good, and I know that, in a couple of years, it will all pay off if we just don’t stop.”<h2>Leading as Women in Business</h2>Though they recognize the responsibility associated with business ownership and leadership, Hickerson and Bonnett remain strong proponents of women taking these positions.“Don’t be short-sighted because it’s tough,” Bonnett said. “There have been times with Melting Pot where I’ve thought, ‘I don’t know if I can do this,’ but you have to see the vision. Look at what’s working well, what’s not, and what changes you can make. There are a lot of networks to reach out to. Find a mentor; chat with someone. We’ve found another Melting Pot owner who we’ve been able to go to for guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”In addition to encouraging other women to explore entrepreneurship, the pair recognizes how their approach to leadership as women can influence their own business.“Women, historically, are seen as abrasive when we lean in, but I’m okay with being perceived that way if I need to for the sake of my business,” Hickerson said. “But there are also times when I don’t want to do that. I’m very empathetic. I think that this does have a lot of benefits. Staff are happy and comfortable knowing they can go to a woman in leadership if they need to.”For other women entering the business world, Hickerson and Bonnett recommend balancing your own identity with the realities of business ownership. With a strong sense of self, you can stay consistent and steady while operating with your values in mind. However, it’s also important to be confident enough to admit when you’re not sure or own a mistake for the long-term health of the team and business.“One of the hardest things for me has been owning my mistakes or not responding when I don’t know the answer to something rather than responding emotionally,” Bonnett said. “But the more you do it, the better manager and owner you become.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot">https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot</a>.

Photo of Melting Pot franchise owners Candice and Chad Hickerson and Diana Bonnett

Diana Bonnett and Candice Hickerson, co-owners of the Bentonville fondue franchise location, have a partnership fueled by trust, vision and shared entrepreneurial values.

Women in Business: Mother-Daughter Duo Leads Melting Pot Success in Arkansas

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For franchisees looking to enter the restaurant landscape, starting from scratch isn’t always the only (or best) option. Legacy brands like&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com">Melting Pot</a>, the 94-unit fondue franchise, may have resale opportunities. By purchasing an existing location, new franchisees gain a strategic upper hand, going into business for themselves with a nearly nonexistent runway to launch and, often, a strong existing team and customer base.&nbsp;“The buying process requires the same due diligence that should be completed when buying a new franchise,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-benyo-1bb36a248">Collin Benyo</a>, Franchise Growth Strategist. “But once you make the decision, the site selection process is cut out, saving you nine months compared to the traditional development schedule. The buy-in is lower than you might expect to join a 50-year legacy brand, making this a unique opportunity to become part of something established and proven.”By investing in an established location, franchisees are also able to leverage existing local marketing power, pre-established supplier relationships and well-honed operational systems to make the transition even smoother.With these factors, the opportunity presents clear advantages, but it’s still important that candidates have a thorough understanding of exactly what the investment represents.<h2>Completing Proper Due Diligence on a Resale Franchise Opportunity</h2>“Why is this location being sold?” is a key question for candidates exploring resale opportunities. While this can create some hesitancy, it’s best to just ask.“One of the biggest reasons we have resale opportunities is because we have franchisees who are finishing their chapter,” Benyo said. “They’ve been with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a> for 30-plus years. They’ve had a great run. And they’re ready to retire, but they want to pass the torch.”Resale opportunities aren’t always tied to weak performance or a frustrated owner. Often, the location is being sold because a longtime franchisee is ready to step away after decades in the business. They’ve built something they’re proud of, and they want the next owner to carry it forward and keep it growing.“There are some resale opportunities with locations that we made the strategic decision to close, but when we bring them back to the market as a resale, it’s because we’re confident that now’s the time,” Benyo said.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/melting-pot-returns-syracuse-destiny-mall-2730540#stories">Destiny USA mall location</a> is a prime example of this. Benyo explained that this specific location previously closed for reasons beyond Melting Pot’s control, but with the right franchisees, there was a prime opportunity to reinvigorate it.“Melting Pot was primed to come back in,” Benyo said. “It was a great space; we just needed the right franchisees. Now, we have a great group of energetic, talented operators who saw this investment as an easy win. They took advantage of the opportunity, and they’ve already seen great success.”“Each resale location has its own story, and it’s part of the due diligence process to read into that and learn more about the history,” he added.<h2>Elevated Tools and Data-Driven Site Selection Further Validate Resale Opportunities</h2>In the past, there have been markets that simply weren’t ready for a Melting Pot. Resale opportunities with this backstory are now returning to the market — this time backed by real data and strong confidence from the corporate team.“Birmingham, Alabama, is a great example of how we address evolving markets. We now work with SiteZeus, and we can see who is supplying the right recency, frequency and spend,” Benyo said. “In the 10 years since that location has been operational, the market segmentation has drifted south toward that location. The building’s ownership has spent money on revitalizing the space, and there is a lot of traffic in the area. When we looked at the opportunity to reinstate, a lot has changed. We see this as an opportunity for a franchisee in our community to come in and be very successful.”While the communities that house these kinds of resale opportunities are often anxiously awaiting the return of their beloved Melting Pot, strong community sentiment alone isn’t always enough to seal the deal. With advanced analysis and an incredibly clear view of who their target customer base is, the Melting Pot development team can provide another layer of validation for candidates considering reviving a previous location.<h2>The “New Entity Effect”</h2>For those considering a resale, Benyo emphasizes that it’s important to strike a balance between the existing presence and any changes that may come with revitalization and new ownership.Stepping into an existing location certainly has its efficiencies, but the Melting Pot team is not under the impression that new owners will step in and “just continue driving the car down the road.”“Even if they’re buying a well-established location from a legacy owner, all of our franchisees go through the same approval process, and they understand that this is not a ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ kind of business,” Benyo said. “You’re still getting the same support a new location would get with marketing and even any necessary design and construction.”&nbsp;“There is a large cost difference between resales and what a typical build-out would be, but we may still need to modernize the existing location,” he continued. “It’s far too easy to unlock the doors and turn the lights on, but teams who make a really big splash and create a new look and feel are recognized and celebrated by their communities. They have great openings and strong continued sales.”Across the Melting Pot system, the most successful franchisees are the ones who are aware of what’s going on in their restaurants and communities. Consistent engagement and a steady commitment to the in-restaurant experience, whether it’s a brand new location, a reopened one or an existing one that simply transferred ownership, is what drives Melting Pot's success.A Melting Pot resale offers a faster way into ownership with a legacy brand that already has awareness in the market. With a shorter timeline and lower upfront lift than a new build, franchisees can put their focus on running the operation, following the system and growing the location’s performance.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot">https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot</a>.&nbsp;

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Through resale opportunities, franchisees can join the iconic fondue franchise with a more modest investment, shorter runway to launch and existing local demand.

How Melting Pot Resales Bridge Legacy Success With New Innovation

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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

The iconic fondue franchise is launching expansion efforts to build on its existing Edmonton presence, targeting new growth in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa.

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