Melting Pot

As&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-celebrating-50-years-of-fondue-and-connection-2728687" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melting Pot</a> celebrates its golden anniversary, the iconic fondue franchise continues to forge meaningful connections through shared dining experiences. Despite five decades of changing culinary trends,&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a> has maintained its unique position in the restaurant landscape by staying true to its core identity while thoughtfully evolving, remaining a key pillar in the lives of many families nationwide.<h2>Beyond Just Fondue: The Melting Pot Experience</h2>"We're steeped in a traditional type of experience,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-benyo-1bb36a248/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-celebrating-50-years-of-fondue-and-connection-2728687" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Collin Benyo</a>, franchise growth strategist. “Our differentiator isn’t necessarily that we're taking things to the next level in a revolutionary way — we’ve intentionally stayed true to our roots over the past five decades — but we continually respond to what our guests are asking for. We listen to their perspective."This responsive approach means Melting Pot has adapted over time while preserving what makes the brand special.&nbsp;"These changes can be as simple as a flavor profile,” Benyo said. “When guests tell us they want something spicier, for example, we hear that and cater to it.”This guest-centered approach extends to their milestone celebrations. "For our 50th anniversary, we're focusing on gold — in flavors, colors and experiences,” said Benyo. “Everything is uniquely tied to celebrating five decades of creating special moments."<h2>Standing Out in a Saturated Market</h2>In today's crowded restaurant franchise landscape, Melting Pot offers something truly distinctive for both guests and franchisees."We're the only fondue franchise," Benyo said. "In an era with so much saturation, when people are always asking, ‘What's the newest burger concept?’ or ‘What's the latest pizza trend?’, Melting Pot has a unique perspective. We continue to offer that emotional connection, and that stands alone."This emotional component sets Melting Pot apart from typical dining establishments.&nbsp;"You don't see that in a lot of franchise offerings," Benyo said. "Great service, excellent food and a memorable experience — that's what was put together on day one, and that's what will continue when we celebrate our 50th anniversary."<h2>The Generational Journey</h2>Melting Pot has become woven into the fabric of customers' life milestones, creating a natural generational continuity."We’ve been seeing this trend in multiple markets where, if your parents took you to Melting Pot for prom, there's a good chance they also went there for their prom dinner," Benyo said. "We see this fascinating journey where someone becomes captivated by the brand at a young age — maybe starting with a chocolate birthday party at Melting Pot. That turns into celebrating birthdays, then graduation, college acceptance, new jobs, engagements and so on.”This progression creates powerful brand loyalty.&nbsp;"It's that understanding of going from having mom and dad take you out to taking your own kids. You remember that moment, that emotion," Benyo said. "We hear it all the time: 'We don't go to Melting Pot all the time, but when it's a special occasion, Melting Pot’s top of mind.'"<h2>Creating a Culture of Genuine Hospitality</h2>Melting Pot cultivates an environment where both staff and franchisees find meaning beyond the bottom line."Successful franchisees understand they're not just providing a meal but creating lasting memories; they’re committed to genuine hospitality,” Benyo said. “They appreciate having staff who are genuinely happy to see the guests and are excited to know that guests got engaged at their table, for example."This authentic approach to service creates a fulfilling work environment.&nbsp;"The owners are a good group of people who are happy to be there,” he said. “Yes, they make money, but they also leave with elevated happiness in their jobs. That's why so many stay with the brand long-term."<h2>Looking Forward While Honoring Tradition</h2>As Melting Pot marks its golden anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of meaningful dining experiences. In a world of fleeting food trends, Melting Pot continues to offer something timeless — a place where memories are made and celebrated in a shared experiential dining scenario.For potential franchisees, Melting Pot represents more than just another restaurant concept. It's an opportunity to become part of a legacy brand that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories, one fondue pot at a time.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 four people around a table at Melting Pot, enjoying cheese and chocolate fondue

Melting Pot Celebrates 50 Years | A Legacy of Fondue & Connection

1851 Franchise

The iconic fondue franchise continues to create unforgettable memories for multiple generations of guests, maintaining its presence as a leader in the experiential dining space.

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

The DNA of Melting Pot: Celebrating 50 Years of Fondue and Connection

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Melting Pot Evolution Sets the Stage for the Next 50 Years

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Melting Pot Wraps Up 2025 With 4 Restaurants Opened, 3 Additional Franchises Awarded and Continued Expansion Momentum

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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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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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Melting Pot's Q3 2025 Features New Openings and Milestones

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The DNA of Melting Pot: Celebrating 50 Years of Fondue and Connection

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