Melting Pot INFO

In a world saturated with drive-thru burger windows and foot-long sandwich shops, the Melting Pot offers diners something different: an unforgettable experience. Since its inception in 1975, the Melting Pot has become synonymous with fondue dining, gaining lifelong fans in the process. 

That’s because the Melting Pot is more than just a place to eat — it’s a place to create memories with friends and families. Memorable dining experiences are what diners value most. According to a recent survey, 75% of consumers say that unique dining experiences are worth paying more for. Now, after the pandemic, diners are hungrier for the kind of experience they can’t get anywhere else. 

“If you’re looking to start something that isn’t going to be just another restaurant in your area, the Melting Pot offers a one-of-a-kind franchise opportunity,” said Shak Turner, senior director of franchise development. “Giving people the chance to put their devices down and be with each other is more important than ever.”

A true original from the day it opened, the Melting Pot remains in a class all its own today, filling a gap in the marketplace and offering consumer’s an experience like no other. 

“We are truly the only fondue franchise in the U.S. — other concepts may have a fondue item on their menu, but it is not their sole focus,” said Turner. “As consumers increasingly look for experiential dining experiences, we offer a unique opportunity for franchisees to invest in an in-demand concept and dominate the fondue segment in their market.”

The Melting Pot experience is one that brings together the relaxed atmosphere of a casual restaurant, but with just the right amount of panache to create memorable evenings. It’s a niche that no other franchise can touch. 

“We are not quite casual dining, but also not quite fine-dining — we’re ‘polished casual,’” said Turner. “There are not a lot of other franchise concepts in that category.”

The Melting Pot isn’t a new-on-the-scene franchise, making it up as it goes along. Franchise owners have 45 years of franchisee experience to draw upon. In fact, members of the original team of three brothers who launched the Melting Pot as a successful franchise are still running the brand today, including CEO Bob Johnston.

The Melting Pot has continued to grow and is affiliated with Front Burner Brands, 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 the Melting Pot franchise worldwide, as well as other brands.

You’re interested in satisfying people’s appetites. You’re interested in feeding their souls through indelible dining experiences that will become part of their personal story. Whether it’s a special occasion, a proposal over dinner, or just a fun weeknight after work, the Melting Pot is a part of people’s most cherished memories.

Turner also says franchisees enjoy a flexible work/life balance since most Melting Pot locations are only open for dinner. “We have franchisees who have the flexibility to homeschool their children during the day and run the restaurant at night,” said Turner. “If a franchisee wants to spend the morning or afternoon home with their family, Melting Pot ownership offers that attractive lifestyle with the restaurant only operating a single daypart, dinner.” 

Husband-and-wife Melting Pot owners Kim and Hollis Silva took ownership of their franchise in Spokane, Washington in 2016. Kim had worked her way from waitress to manager of the location, and when the opportunity to buy the franchise arose, she jumped at the opportunity. 

Leveraging the company’s Path to Grow Program, a financing program designed to help Melting Pot employees become owners, the couple was able to make their dream come true. Four years after they took over the Spokane restaurant, the couple was able to invest in a second location in Boise, Idaho. This time, however, they did it all on their own without needing any special financing assistance thanks to the success of their Spokane investment. 

“As well as operators who genuinely really cared about the business, the Path to Grow Program allowed us to purchase the restaurant in order to do something that we're passionate about,” said Kim. “It’s just been a game-changer for us.”

Hollis agrees, and says they’re already thinking about expanding. “We can't wait till we can get our third location,” he said. “We love, love, love the Melting Pot. Honestly. Ownership has changed our life financially, and we’re big believers in the brand.”

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: https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/

Founded in 1975, the Melting Pot has offered a unique fondue dining experience for more than 45 years. As the premier fondue restaurant franchise, the Melting Pot has 97 restaurants in 31 U.S. states and Canada. Known for offering a variety of fondue cooking styles and unique entrées, the Melting Pot’s menu also features cheese fondues, salads, fine wines, spirits and chocolate fondue desserts. Fondue fans can join the Melting Pot’s Club Fondue for exclusive promotions, special events and advance holiday reservation privileges. The Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with the Melting Pot, please visit www.meltingpotfranchise.com.

Front Burner Brands is a franchise management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. It provides management services to the Melting Pot, founded in 1975 with nearly 100 restaurants in the U.S. states and Canada. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.