Melting Pot

<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot">The Melting Pot</a>, the 94-unit fondue franchise, has grown to be synonymous with fondue dining since its founding in 1975. Now, it is dominating the experiential dining space and continues to stand out among a host of other far less memorable food concepts.&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-johnston-4b6b0a4a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-melting-pot-is-dominating-the-experiential-dining-industry-and-poised-for-growth-with-franchisees-2722791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob Johnston</a> and Franchise Growth Strategist&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-benyo-1bb36a248/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-melting-pot-is-dominating-the-experiential-dining-industry-and-poised-for-growth-with-franchisees-2722791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Collin Benyo</a> joined 1851 Publisher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/powills/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-melting-pot-is-dominating-the-experiential-dining-industry-and-poised-for-growth-with-franchisees-2722791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nick Powills</a> to discuss the brand’s 2023 growth trajectory and how existing franchisees can continue to scale.<h3><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/I9kNK3p8OEA?feature=share&amp%3Bt=57&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-melting-pot-is-dominating-the-experiential-dining-industry-and-poised-for-growth-with-franchisees-2722791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Current Franchise Development Efforts and the State of the Market</a></h3>In recent years,&nbsp;<a href="https://meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-melting-pot-is-dominating-the-experiential-dining-industry-and-poised-for-growth-with-franchisees-2722791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Melting Pot</a> leadership team has been intently focused on supporting existing franchisees through challenging times rather than funneling energy into franchise development. As the system reconciled with the consequences of the pandemic, which was especially hard on the food service sector, franchisees received the high-level support they needed to achieve and maintain a strong baseline despite market difficulties.“I don’t view what we did as all that extraordinary — it was the only choice,” Johnston said. “It was frightening for everyone. It was natural for us to say, ‘There’s only one job for us to do here,’ which was to help franchisees not just get through this, not just survive by the skin of their teeth, but figure out a way to leverage the strengths of the brand to thrive.”Now that many of the moving parts have been more clearly defined and processes are running smoothly, existing franchisees are expressing interest in reinvesting to expand to additional restaurants, and the leadership team is riding that momentum in an effort to bring in additional external interest, as well.The Melting Pot has recently worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/I9kNK3p8OEA?feature=share&amp%3Bt=856&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-melting-pot-is-dominating-the-experiential-dining-industry-and-poised-for-growth-with-franchisees-2722791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">leverage data from OpenTable</a> to better inform its development efforts. OpenTable data has revealed that, in some markets where there are already Melting Pot restaurants, there is excess demand. By noting the number of available reservations and other consumer habits, the leadership team can glean a more complete understanding of where demand lies.While the brand is taking note of these trends, Johnston says the team is still focused on penetrating brand new markets.“Not that we would never put a Melting Pot in a market where we already exist, but our focus is to grow the footprint of the brand — more awareness in more markets,” he said. “But this data is telling a very encouraging story. People are interested at record levels in the brand.”<h3><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/I9kNK3p8OEA?feature=share&amp%3Bt=482&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-melting-pot-is-dominating-the-experiential-dining-industry-and-poised-for-growth-with-franchisees-2722791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Melting Pot’s Approach to Franchisee Support</a></h3>Much like a family, The Melting Pot franchise network truly works together to seek solutions to common challenges. Though there are occasional disagreements within the system, the leadership team has worked diligently to create a structure that allows franchisees to be heard and encourages the entire network to embrace a collaborative approach.“We have a strategic partnership committee. These are franchisees — the best of the best — who are elected by their peers to come and talk with us directly about charting the growth of the brand and finding ways to broaden awareness about the brand,” Johnston added. “That’s mission one. What this is really about is making more people aware of the brand so that everyone involved with it, all stakeholders, can win at a higher level.”<h3><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/I9kNK3p8OEA?feature=share&amp%3Bt=1334&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-melting-pot-is-dominating-the-experiential-dining-industry-and-poised-for-growth-with-franchisees-2722791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">How The Melting Pot Stands Out</a></h3>As the franchise grows, The Melting Pot is bringing its fondue eatertainment to communities nationwide. Unlike other, more common, food service models, The Melting Pot is virtually in a league of its own.&nbsp;Though growth brings an occasional challenge, Johnston says the process of working through these hurdles is what makes the system even stronger. Over the years, as it has navigated decades of market changes and a range of unexpected circumstances, the concept continues to come out on top.“When we strengthen the brand by penetrating markets, we all win at a higher level,” Johnston said. “There was a time when someone was trying to ride on our coattails. There was another fondue concept that was imitating us and going into markets ahead of us and attempting to lock out our brand. Because of the great job that franchisees did, supported by the restaurant support center, we won that battle.”“Not a lot of brands can say that they are&nbsp;the only ‘fill in the blank,’” he continued. “But when you think about a fondue restaurant dining and entertainment experience, there is only one brand that comes to the consumer’s mind, and that’s us. We have to work hard to grow our footprint so that remains to be the case.”<h3><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/I9kNK3p8OEA?feature=share&amp%3Bt=1848&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-melting-pot-is-dominating-the-experiential-dining-industry-and-poised-for-growth-with-franchisees-2722791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Future of the Brand</a></h3>The Melting Pot’s place in the market allows it to support both new owners in entering the system and scaling, as well as existing owners expanding their investments. Among restaurant goers as a whole, far beyond just those interested in fondue, The Melting Pot consistently rises to the top.With this in mind, the leadership team is supporting owners in whatever path their entrepreneurship may follow. Whether they aim to add additional restaurants in the future or are simply looking for a strong exit, the franchise model positions them well to build a successful business. Further, The Melting Pot continues to speak with excited prospects who, when added to the system, will drive success and value for owners far beyond themselves.“I know the blood and the drive are in these franchisees. The real priority is to find franchisees that are ready to grow with vigor and energy,” Benyo said. “The people we talk to are candidates we are happy to be talking to for growth.”Looking toward the next two years, Johnston says he is looking forward to phasing in a renewed focus on expanding the footprint. Though this effort has taken a back seat in recent years as the leadership team has pivoted toward supporting existing owners, he is clear that one of the most rewarding aspects of his work is to support individuals in achieving their dreams of business ownership.“What I want is to see everybody win,” Johnston said. “And I mean that sincerely.”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;Watch the full video above or by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9kNK3p8OEA&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-melting-pot-is-dominating-the-experiential-dining-industry-and-poised-for-growth-with-franchisees-2722791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.

How The Melting Pot Is Dominating the Experiential Dining Industry and Poised for Growth with Franchisees

1851 Franchise

https://www.youtube.com/embed/I9kNK3p8OEA

In a world saturated with drive-thru burger windows and foot-long sandwich shops, The Melting Pot offers diners something different: an unforgettable experience.

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

how-the-melting-pot-is-dominating-the-experiential-dining-industry-and-poised-for-growth-with-franchisees

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Own a Melting Pot

Melting Pot Growth

Franchisee Highlight

Innovative Retail Strategies

Celebrating 50+ Years of Business

Learn

Visit Website

MELTING POT

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

MELTING POT MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT MELTING POT

CONTACT MELTING POT

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

City

State / Province

Why are you interested in owning a Melting Pot?

Fondue Franchise Opportunities

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;

meltingpot-2025growth

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 The Melting Pot Is Dominating the Experiential Dining Industry and Poised for Growth with Franchisees

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS