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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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;

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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;

Photo of Melting Pot table with chocolate fondue and "Cheers to 50 Years" plate

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TAMPA, Fla. —&nbsp;<a href="https://meltingpotfranchise.com/">Melting Pot</a>, the nation’s premier fondue franchise, continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary year with strong third-quarter performance, new restaurant openings and brand innovations designed to elevate the guest experience and support franchise growth.“This year has been an incredible one for Melting Pot,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-r-crawford-784a0810/">John “JC” Crawford</a>. “The 50th anniversary offerings have gone extremely well and have been really well received by our guests and it’s also moving the needle from a sales standpoint.” <a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/melting-pot-50th-anniversary-fondue-celebration-2728979">Melting Pot’s 50th anniversary celebration</a> featured limited-time menu items such as the Grand Reserve Cheese Fondue and a renewed emphasis on the brand’s core identity as the destination for the Perfect Night Out.As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the brand is also offering a Golden Anniversary Incentive: 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. The incentive applies exclusively to new builds and cannot be combined with other programs, such as the IFA’s VetFran or DiversityFran initiatives.The brand’s Q3 momentum included several exciting milestones, including new restaurant openings in Syracuse, New York, and Rogers, Arkansas, preparing to open this fall. The new locations reflect Melting Pot’s growing national footprint and continued demand for its unique experiential dining model.In September, the brand also hosted its annual MPX franchise conference in Reno, Nevada, where attendees commemorated the 50th anniversary alongside the brand’s founders. The celebration continued by announcing the $1.6 million fundraising goal across the system over the next year, which will make the brand’s largest annual contribution over the 22 year partnership with St. Jude. “It was a big moment for all of our attendees and made me incredibly proud to celebrate the passion that has fueled this brand for five decades,” Crawford said.According to Crawford, menu innovation and guest experience remain top priorities as the brand evolves. “Our new menu, which we rolled out in May, is performing very well,” he said. “We made some changes to make it easier for guests to understand and improved the layout and readability. Those refinements have really paid off.”In addition to menu innovation, Melting Pot launched a new innovation team focused on enhancing operations and service standards. “We’ve created an innovation team that is going to help support and continue to elevate our already phenomenal service,” said Crawford. “We’re also focused on delivering an exceptional experience for large parties. That initiative is making a big impact for both our guests and our franchisees.”Crawford credits Melting Pot’s strong franchise support system as a key factor in driving growth and attracting new owners. “We bring in a small group and really invest time in them — they meet every single person in the office and see all the support we provide, from finance to accounting,” he said. “I truly believe that makes a big difference. Our existing franchisees are also incredible partners, and having such a strong, connected system continues to be one of our greatest strengths.”And as Melting Pot closes out its 50th anniversary year, Crawford says the brand is gearing up for a record-breaking holiday season. “We’re really looking forward to the fourth quarter — the holidays are our Super Bowl,” he said. “We’re focused on supporting our guests and franchisees to host unforgettable holiday experiences and large parties across the country.”With more than 90 locations nationwide, Melting Pot remains the go-to destination for the Perfect Night Out, pairing a one-of-a-kind fondue dining experience with strong franchisee support and steady growth as it moves into its next 50 years.To learn more about franchising with Melting Pot, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com">www.meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.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 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. Melting Pot is an affiliate of The Melting Pot Inc. (TMPRI), a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpot.com">www.meltingpot.com</a>. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com">www.meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.

Melting Pot's Q3 2025 Features New Openings and Milestones

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For five decades,&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com">Melting Pot</a> — the 90-plus unit fondue franchise — has been a leader in the fondue space, consistently delivering the Perfect Night Out for its guests. Its foundation is built on providing unforgettable in-restaurant experiences, and offering a combination of both classic fondue flavors and seasonal and limited-time offers that keep things fresh and exciting for new and established guests alike.&nbsp;Now,&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a> is extending its magic beyond the four walls with Melting Pot At Home, a complementary line of retail products designed to keep the brand top of mind for guests between their visits.“The foundation of Melting Pot is and always will be its restaurants,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlukasbourgeois/">Jennifer Lukas-Bourgeois</a>, retail business unit director. “It’s all about the Perfect Night Out, celebrating an occasion and having that communal experience. Our retail line is a powerful tool to reinforce that experience, offering a chance to bring a taste of Melting Pot home. That way, our brand is always a part of our guests’ lives.”<h2>A Cohesive Strategy: In-Restaurant and At-Home Innovation</h2>This fall, Melting Pot is bringing the season’s favorite flavor to life in two delicious ways. In participating restaurants, guests can enjoy the&nbsp;Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Fondue&nbsp;— a limited-time, in-restaurant experience that captures the cozy flavors of fall.Meanwhile, online fans can indulge at home with the&nbsp;Pumpkin Pie Chocolate Fondue, available exclusively for a limited time through Melting Pot’s retail channel.Together, these two offerings work in harmony — bridging the in-restaurant experience with at-home fondue moments. Melting Pot is leveraging this synergy to deepen brand connection and make it easier than ever for guests to enjoy the magic of fondue wherever they are.“Everyone is so passionate about pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie, and we wanted to deliver that flavor to our guests,” Lukas-Bourgeois said. “This year our innovation available online is the Pumpkin Pie Chocolate Fondue: an irresistible blend of velvety white chocolate wafers, warm pumpkin pie spice, silky pumpkin puree and a crunchy graham cracker topping. Our guests can also savor the season with us in-restaurant with our Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Fondue: a creamy white chocolate blended with spiced pumpkin purée and caramel, topped with autumn-spiced graham cracker crunch and a swirl of whipped topping. Both available for a limited time.”The Melting Pot system is intentional about its innovations, watching trends and keeping seasonal favorites in mind as they develop new products for both retail and in-restaurant offerings. Maintaining a focus on the consumers’ desires ensures the team is innovating in a way that will truly speak to the guests and keep Melting Pot fresh in their minds.<h2>Innovation of All Kinds Supports Franchisee Growth</h2>As Melting Pot launches limited-time in-restaurant and retail offerings, the emphasis remains on reinforcing what the brand stands for: quality, flavor and a sense of togetherness.Melting Pot’s retail presence in over 2,500 locations this fall will act as a powerful marketing tool, creating millions of brand impressions that keep Melting Pot top of mind and remind guests to book their next Perfect Night Out at their local restaurant.The seasonal retail flavors also echo the special, seasonal restaurant menus that drive repeat visits and buzz. Seeing a unique product in a retail environment reminds consumers of the novelty and culinary experience Melting Pot offers, reinforcing excitement for the brand — in restaurants and beyond.“All of these efforts, from limited-time e-commerce offers and curated in-restaurant menu items to our digital and social presence, serve the same purpose,” Lukas-Bourgeois said. “Keeping the Melting Pot quality and experience consistent across multiple settings and making it available in additional contexts supports consistent brand awareness and drives guests back to our dining rooms.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com">meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.&nbsp;

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