As it approaches its 50th birthday, Melting Pot — the iconic fondue franchise — is celebrating its recent developments, including growth toward a more modern, enticing design that speaks to guests of all kinds. Coined “Melting Pot Evolution,” a recent remodel and revitalization of the brand has opened up the space and incorporated more warm, playful elements. The new design also increases the spotlight on the bar, presenting it as a more welcoming spot.
“The remodeling effort really began throughout the system in 2021, and we saw some initial effects in 2022,” said Scott Evans, director of construction and design at Front Burner Brands, Melting Pot’s parent company. “Now, all of our restaurants are doing well, but the ones that have completed the remodel are performing above and beyond what everyone else is doing. We made all of these changes to continue being extremely competitive, and it has certainly paid off.”
About 80% of the Melting Pot system has fully completed the remodeling process, and Evans says they are on track to reach 100% in the coming months. Chris Millsap, who owns four Melting Pot locations across the U.S., was one of the first to test out the remodel, redoing his Pittsburgh restaurant in late 2018. Slowly working through the others, the final remodel in Kansas City was completed just a few months ago.
“The Cincinnati restaurant was the oldest physical location in the portfolio, and it had a pretty dramatic transformation,” Millsap said. “We had done slight touch-ups along the way, but it had been close to two decades since it had been fully remodeled. It was kind of small and dark, and I don’t think we realized what it was lacking until we remodeled. Now, it’s way more open, fresh and modern.”
“I think the biggest, most stark and endearing element of this is changing the color scheme. More neutral tones are being implemented, but it gives the space so much warmth,” said Liz Beddow, who owns locations in California and Texas. “And the new lighting is fantastic. We are so impressed with how the restaurants look at night with the lights on. Whether people are joining us for a nice, romantic evening or a get-together with friends, the environment is perfect for every type of occasion.”
The key changes associated with the Melting Pot Evolution design make the space more open and welcoming, placing more emphasis on a communal bar while modernizing and simplifying seating options to benefit both guests and franchisees.
“We invented movable tables. Because guests cook at the table, we have to have power at the table and the table had to be locked down,” Evans said. “Now, we have a system where we can configure the tables to be in two spots. So we can have two two-tops, or we can push them together to make a four-top.”
According to Evans, this flexibility is especially important for franchisees to cater to both the frequent guest and the large-party celebrations. Nearly 60% of parties that visit a Melting Pot are parties of two, 15% are parties of four, and only 2% of groups have six or more people in them.
“For many years, we’ve been all about Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Those are our biggest days,” he said. “The new configurable tables allow us to still accommodate those big parties when they arise, but we’re also able to serve the parties of two and four more effectively on a regular basis.”
Deborah Ramos, senior design manager, notes that all of the brand’s changes are geared toward supporting franchisees in their missions to create the perfect night out for each guest.
“In the very early stages, we had some big ideas about adjusting the layout of the restaurants, but after some analysis, we chose to adapt to drive operational efficiencies,” Ramos said. “As far as the visual design and feel inside the restaurant, the design has successfully brought in a new generation of fondue fanatics without alienating the people who love it.”
Through consistent communications with franchisees, Ramos and the team have made other adaptations, perfecting the small details to further elevate the restaurant experience for everyone involved.
“Our franchise community is so important to us, and we listen to their feedback,” Ramos said. “We’re focused on driving bottom-line revenue for them while making them happier and making their operations easier. There are unique design challenges associated with a fondue restaurant — our guests are working with hot oil, or sometimes kids will poke a fondue fork into a seat. But Melting Pot is a beloved gathering place for friends and family, and thinking ahead to address small details like this — improving the experience for everyone — helps our franchisees continue to be that go-to spot, welcoming guests of all ages for all occasions.”
“This is not only going to increase the value of the asset, but it’s also good to draw new guests in, and it even benefits the legacy guests who have been coming forever,” Beddow said. “We have a group of regulars who typically come twice a week, and when we first started the work, they were not excited about the change at all. As they’re seeing pieces of it implemented, they’re getting more excited. Knowing that even legacy guests who don’t like change have embraced the new look is very encouraging.”
As it looks toward the next 50 years, having these adaptations and maintaining its commitment to innovation will enable Melting Pot to remain at the forefront of the industry.
“I think the new look has really helped the brand. It’s not the only reason we’ve seen a sort of resurgence in the last couple of years, but it certainly helped capture guests’ attention,” Millsap said. “If you’re going to invest in a concept, you want to choose one that is relevant and has a runway in front of it. That’s what this remodel did for Melting Pot; it brought us into the modern world and helped us reintroduce ourselves to a whole new audience.”
“The new design gives us a great presentation with both franchisees and landlords,” Evans said. “A lot of landlords, especially those in a mall, might think, ‘Why do I want to put a 50-year-old restaurant chain on my property?’ But this isn’t your grandfather’s restaurant chain. When people see what we’re doing today, including how we’re doing with average unit volumes and guest count, they understand. And they want to be a part of Melting Pot’s future.”
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info.
Melting Pot
SPONSORED
As it approaches its 50th birthday, Melting Pot is rounding out a systemwide remodeling effort, refreshing the design to draw in a new, younger audience and bolster its bright future.
As it approaches its 50th birthday, Melting Pot — the iconic fondue franchise — is celebrating its recent developments, including growth toward a more modern, enticing design that speaks to guests of all kinds. Coined “Melting Pot Evolution,” a recent remodel and revitalization of the brand has opened up the space and incorporated more warm, playful elements. The new design also increases the spotlight on the bar, presenting it as a more welcoming spot.
“The remodeling effort really began throughout the system in 2021, and we saw some initial effects in 2022,” said Scott Evans, director of construction and design at Front Burner Brands, Melting Pot’s parent company. “Now, all of our restaurants are doing well, but the ones that have completed the remodel are performing above and beyond what everyone else is doing. We made all of these changes to continue being extremely competitive, and it has certainly paid off.”
About 80% of the Melting Pot system has fully completed the remodeling process, and Evans says they are on track to reach 100% in the coming months. Chris Millsap, who owns four Melting Pot locations across the U.S., was one of the first to test out the remodel, redoing his Pittsburgh restaurant in late 2018. Slowly working through the others, the final remodel in Kansas City was completed just a few months ago.
“The Cincinnati restaurant was the oldest physical location in the portfolio, and it had a pretty dramatic transformation,” Millsap said. “We had done slight touch-ups along the way, but it had been close to two decades since it had been fully remodeled. It was kind of small and dark, and I don’t think we realized what it was lacking until we remodeled. Now, it’s way more open, fresh and modern.”
“I think the biggest, most stark and endearing element of this is changing the color scheme. More neutral tones are being implemented, but it gives the space so much warmth,” said Liz Beddow, who owns locations in California and Texas. “And the new lighting is fantastic. We are so impressed with how the restaurants look at night with the lights on. Whether people are joining us for a nice, romantic evening or a get-together with friends, the environment is perfect for every type of occasion.”
The key changes associated with the Melting Pot Evolution design make the space more open and welcoming, placing more emphasis on a communal bar while modernizing and simplifying seating options to benefit both guests and franchisees.
“We invented movable tables. Because guests cook at the table, we have to have power at the table and the table had to be locked down,” Evans said. “Now, we have a system where we can configure the tables to be in two spots. So we can have two two-tops, or we can push them together to make a four-top.”
According to Evans, this flexibility is especially important for franchisees to cater to both the frequent guest and the large-party celebrations. Nearly 60% of parties that visit a Melting Pot are parties of two, 15% are parties of four, and only 2% of groups have six or more people in them.
“For many years, we’ve been all about Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Those are our biggest days,” he said. “The new configurable tables allow us to still accommodate those big parties when they arise, but we’re also able to serve the parties of two and four more effectively on a regular basis.”
Deborah Ramos, senior design manager, notes that all of the brand’s changes are geared toward supporting franchisees in their missions to create the perfect night out for each guest.
“In the very early stages, we had some big ideas about adjusting the layout of the restaurants, but after some analysis, we chose to adapt to drive operational efficiencies,” Ramos said. “As far as the visual design and feel inside the restaurant, the design has successfully brought in a new generation of fondue fanatics without alienating the people who love it.”
Through consistent communications with franchisees, Ramos and the team have made other adaptations, perfecting the small details to further elevate the restaurant experience for everyone involved.
“Our franchise community is so important to us, and we listen to their feedback,” Ramos said. “We’re focused on driving bottom-line revenue for them while making them happier and making their operations easier. There are unique design challenges associated with a fondue restaurant — our guests are working with hot oil, or sometimes kids will poke a fondue fork into a seat. But Melting Pot is a beloved gathering place for friends and family, and thinking ahead to address small details like this — improving the experience for everyone — helps our franchisees continue to be that go-to spot, welcoming guests of all ages for all occasions.”
“This is not only going to increase the value of the asset, but it’s also good to draw new guests in, and it even benefits the legacy guests who have been coming forever,” Beddow said. “We have a group of regulars who typically come twice a week, and when we first started the work, they were not excited about the change at all. As they’re seeing pieces of it implemented, they’re getting more excited. Knowing that even legacy guests who don’t like change have embraced the new look is very encouraging.”
As it looks toward the next 50 years, having these adaptations and maintaining its commitment to innovation will enable Melting Pot to remain at the forefront of the industry.
“I think the new look has really helped the brand. It’s not the only reason we’ve seen a sort of resurgence in the last couple of years, but it certainly helped capture guests’ attention,” Millsap said. “If you’re going to invest in a concept, you want to choose one that is relevant and has a runway in front of it. That’s what this remodel did for Melting Pot; it brought us into the modern world and helped us reintroduce ourselves to a whole new audience.”
“The new design gives us a great presentation with both franchisees and landlords,” Evans said. “A lot of landlords, especially those in a mall, might think, ‘Why do I want to put a 50-year-old restaurant chain on my property?’ But this isn’t your grandfather’s restaurant chain. When people see what we’re doing today, including how we’re doing with average unit volumes and guest count, they understand. And they want to be a part of Melting Pot’s future.”
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info.
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