Melting Pot

Nothing says “Party time!” quite like fondue. And <a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melting Pot</a>, the fondue franchise that strives to turn moments into memories with every fondue pot served, has transformed fondue into more than just a meal — it makes fondue an experience that brings people together.Melting Pot has been sharing its unique dining experience, streamlined menu and forward-thinking model across North America for more than 45 years. Now, after expanding to almost 100 locations, the established brand has become a staple for family get-togethers, anniversaries, birthday celebrations, romantic dinners and other special occasions.“The Melting Pot concept takes advantage of what people are interested in when they dine out, which is more than just a meal. People don’t just want to satisfy their appetite when they go out; they want more than that,” said <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-johnston-4b6b0a4a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob Johnston</a>, CEO of Melting Pot. “We have a concept that offers a unique dining experience, one that's social, fun and delicious.”How Melting Pot’s Tasty Fondue Feasts Created a New Segment in the Restaurant IndustrySince 1975, Melting Pot has been the country’s classic, fan-favorite fondue dining experience. Its very first location opened its doors in Maitland, Florida with a simple menu of Swiss cheese fondue, beef fondue and chocolate fondue. The restaurant’s atmosphere was cozy and quaint, and it quickly grew in popularity.&nbsp;One enterprising waiter, a college student named <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-johnston-03731668/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mark Johnston</a>, saw the business’ boom as a lucrative opportunity and endeavored to open a second location. After receiving permission from the original owners, Johnston enlisted the help of his brothers Bob and Mike and developed enough funds to open a second <a href="https://www.meltingpot.com/tallahassee-fl/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melting Pot in Tallahassee</a> in 1979, where Bob worked as a dishwasher. Eventually, the Tallahassee restaurant was successful enough to warrant opening a third location in 1981, this time in <a href="https://www.meltingpot.com/tampa-fl/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tampa</a>.By 1985, the Johnston brothers were ready to purchase the rights to Melting Pot and establish an incorporated franchise company. Following a year of reorganization, research and planning, Melting Pot began offering the enormously popular fondue restaurant as a food franchise opportunity. Seeking out energetic, passionate entrepreneurs, the Johnston brothers built a family of fondue franchisees who were excited about and committed to the concept.“When I became a dishwasher at my brothers' Melting Pot restaurant in Tallahassee, I would have never guessed that I would one day be the CEO of the restaurant management company for The Melting Pot,” said Bob. “It wasn't until I was afforded the opportunity to provide service to guests that I fell in love with franchising and the restaurant industry.”Since then, Melting Pot has continued to grow to nearly 100 locations and is now under the umbrella of <a href="https://www.frontburnerbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Front Burner Brands</a>, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa that is also owned by the Johnston brothers. Front Burner Brands leverages extensive franchise and restaurant industry expertise to support Melting Pot franchises worldwide, as well as other brands.How Melting Pot Continues to Stand Out in the Dining SegmentWhen guests sit down at Melting Pot, they dip into an interactive dining experience like no other. Melting Pot makes any meal stellar by offering an epicurean fondue experience, featuring an unmatched combination of tastes. But what truly sets the brand apart is its socially inviting atmosphere. Guests have the opportunity to turn moments into memories by sharing each course with one another.At Melting Pot, the dining experience and food are designed around the guest — they get to create unique pairings and customize their menu however they like, with up to four courses. Menu items include artisan cheeses, breads, wines, salads, entrées and chocolate combined with different cooking styles and sauces. The brand also accommodates any dietary restrictions, with gluten-free options available at every restaurant.“The nature of the Melting Pot concept is to encourage conversation and engagement among guests,” said <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-r-crawford-784a0810/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">JC Crawford</a>, executive vice president of franchise and restaurant operations for Front Burner Brands. “Our mission centers around improving the quality of the guest experience.”To maintain a consistent level of quality, Melting Pot launched an "Exceptional Food Initiative" in 2015, partnering with <a href="https://www.kindredcreamery.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kindred Creamery</a> and <a href="https://cacaotrace.com/growing-next-generation-cocoa-for-chocolate-lovers?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cacao-Trace®</a> to source its dairy products. Kindred Creamery, based out of Wisconsin, is known for its one-of-a-kind Cows First™ program. Kindred Creamery believes when cows are treated right, their milk is of the highest standard and produces high quality cheese in a sustainable manner. Cacao-Trace® helps cocoa farmers earn a sustainable living through the Next Generation Cacao Foundation and focuses on the post-harvest fermentation of cocoa beans to produce superior tasting chocolate. These partnerships ensure that Melting Pot products are as fresh as possible, while also allowing customers to feel good about supporting sustainable businesses.“We are proud to provide our guests exceptional ingredients in an engaging atmosphere,” said <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakonturner/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shak Turner</a>, senior director of franchise development for Front Burner Brands. “We work consistently with our suppliers on increasing the quality, variety and sustainability of our ingredients.”How Melting Pot Is Paying Its Good Fortune ForwardThe Melting Pot has a mission to make a difference in people’s lives. That’s why it partnered with <a href="https://www.stjude.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">St. Judes Children’s Hospital</a> in 2003.One of the ways Melting Pot supports St. Jude is through the annual <a href="https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/other-ways/st-jude-thanks-and-giving.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign</a>. From mid-October to the end of December each year, guests have an opportunity to donate to the kids of St. Jude when they dine at any of the Melting Pot restaurants nationwide. For every $10 donated, guests receive a Donate &amp; Dine card valid for $20 off a future purchase of $50 or more at Melting Pot.Additionally, each year, Melting Pot sends top-fundraising team members from across the nation during the previous year's St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign to Memphis to tour the hospital and serve chocolate fondue to St. Jude patients and their families at a special fondue party."Through these collaborative efforts among all of our restaurants, each of our guests have an opportunity to make a significant impact in helping St. Jude children fight cancer and other deadly diseases," said Johnston. "Our family of restaurants and team members are very excited to know that their dedication and hard work touches the lives of so many children."&nbsp;Today, Melting Pot has raised more than $13 million for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, thanks to the generous support of team members and customers who make this meaningful contribution possible for the kids of St. Jude.The total initial investment required to open a Melting Pot restaurant under the Franchise Program (excluding real estate purchase costs) is $1,339,023 - $1,587,201. For more information, visit: <a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-became-americas-go-to-restaurant-for-special-occasions-2716117" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/</a>

How Melting Pot Became America’s Go-To Restaurant for Special Occasions

1851 Franchise

Purveyors of "polished casual" dining and experts in chocolate and cheese, the quintessential fondue franchise has become the nation's ultimate celebration spot.

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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

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

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

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

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Crain’s Detroit Business: Fondue Restaurant Plans Michigan Expansion

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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;

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How Melting Pot Became America’s Go-To Restaurant for Special Occasions

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