Melting Pot

In the ever-evolving restaurant landscape,&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a>, the 93-unit fondue franchise, has supported franchisees in standing out and staying ahead of the curve with the help of integrated technology to streamline operations, create a better guest experience and offer franchisees more robust data.“One of the things that we’ve worked really hard to do is get unified systems within our restaurants,” explained&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-barnett-1a948a9/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-leverages-technology-to-elevate-franchisees-above-their-competitors-2724650" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Randy Barnett</a>, vice president of technology. “That includes point of sale, reservation systems and security platforms. In addition to those foundational platforms, we built out a really nice data warehouse that allows us to deliver some best-in-class analytics for business intelligence.”For an experiential dining concept focused on providing a perfect experience every time, it is crucial that franchisees are able to understand and cater to their guests.&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-leverages-technology-to-elevate-franchisees-above-their-competitors-2724650" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melting Pot</a> has built data stories that allow franchisees to look at frequency, recency and monetary segments to analyze guest patterns. Similarly, Melting Pot has access to data regarding unmet demand, meaning the team can understand how many reservations are requested above the restaurant’s capacity in a given night or sales period.&nbsp;The brand has also implemented handheld devices that allow restaurant-level team members to be more flexible and efficient throughout the ordering and payment processes, creating a mix of technology-forward solutions and the personable service Melting Pot patrons are used to.With these resources, the entire team can come together to look at higher-level trends and make small adjustments that drive more business to each restaurant. This benefits established owners and their teams throughout all stages of restaurant development, but it is an especially powerful support structure for new owners working to understand their restaurant and get acquainted with team members throughout the system early on.Barnett emphasized that having continuity across platforms solves a major pain point that some restaurant owners experience, and Melting Pot’s ability to establish a streamlined technology support structure allows franchisees to easily view the information they need, alleviating any need to move between platforms.<h3>Powerful Partnerships Obtained Through an Industry Giant</h3>“When we leverage unified systems, we get the benefit of a partnership with powerful technology companies that franchisees might not otherwise be able to get without the power of a brand of our size and maturity,” added Barnett.Because Melting Pot has grown to the size and maturity it enjoys today, its adoption of technology is even more impressive. The brand has found an ideal balance between leveraging its rich history, taking advantage of the systems it has perfected over the decades and embracing new innovations. With this, franchisees gain access to the power and popularity associated with the Melting Pot name but are not locked into a business model that refuses to adapt.“Service leadership is nothing new to the restaurant industry, but we’ve put in place the technology that helps the business all the way from the day-to-day team member to the owner,” said Barnett. “This allows them to focus more on the philosophy and deliver the perfect night out. We give them systems that are easy to use and simple to understand, like our POS system, and that gives the franchisees the business intelligence data they need to be successful long-term.”Through all of its technology-related developments, Melting Pot keeps the guest experience top of mind. The technology team at the Restaurant Support Center (RSC) partners with other business units like the marketing and operations teams “better than most other concepts that I’ve seen,” added Barnett, and this synergy creates strong solutions that flow through all levels of the system.With strong RSC collaboration, the franchisor can support local franchisees in securing all of the tools, data and support they need to lead a happy, productive team, which ultimately leads to a satisfied guest.“In every scenario, we have thought about the solution with the guest in mind,” said Barnett.<h3>In All Stages, Melting Pot’s Technology Strategy Puts Franchisees and Guests First</h3>While Melting Pot currently offers a franchisee-focused and guest-focus technology strategy, creating great results at the restaurant level each day, Barnett said the team will continue to shift and evolve as the demands of the business grow and more technology becomes available.“The biggest point to remember is that technology changes rapidly. We’re already looking at AI for a number of things, and we’re diving into guest analytics more than we ever have,” he explained. “Access to data is more prevalent today than it was 20 years ago, and we can get virtually any information we need through different points of view and touch points.”With touch points and data processing tools available today that were unheard of decades ago, Melting Pot has adapted over time, taking advantage of new tools to better support franchisees and their guests as the resources become available.&nbsp;Looking to the future, Barnett said he expects even more tools to roll out, opening up the ability to look at seat optimization and dynamic pricing, for example, as the brand scales. The leadership team’s commitment to new, effective technology is clear, and it will continue to drive the brand toward success as it grows nationwide.“We know that the business owner really wants to only focus on their investment, so we take away the pressure points of having to build out a technology platform for themselves,” said Barnett. “Everything we do within our brand is based on that family feel and instinct; we never want to create friction. We ensure all of the technology we implement really works well and doesn’t get in the way of the team or guests but enhances the entire experience.”For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-melting-pot-leverages-technology-to-elevate-franchisees-above-their-competitors-2724650" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/</a>.&nbsp;

How Melting Pot Leverages Technology to Elevate Franchisees Above Their Competitors

1851 Franchise

The fondue franchise has unified its foundational systems throughout the restaurants and across the system to add to its franchisee support and create a powerful growth machine.

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;

How Melting Pot Leverages Technology to Elevate Franchisees Above Their Competitors

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