Melting Pot

TAMPA, Fla. — As&nbsp;<a href="https://meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melting Pot</a> continues to celebrate its 50th year as the premier fondue dining experience, the brand is carrying its momentum into the second half of 2025 with the appointment of a new CEO, several internal leadership promotions and new franchise agreements in key markets.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-r-crawford-784a0810/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">John “JC” Crawford</a> has been named CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a> after serving as executive vice president of operations. He succeeds longtime CEO and founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-johnston-4b6b0a4a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob Johnston</a>, who now serves solely as chairman of the board. Johnston remains an owner and continues to support the brand’s long-term growth and strategic direction.“This is a brand that has been a part of people’s lives for five decades, and I’m honored to help lead it into its next chapter,” Crawford said. “We have a talented leadership team, incredible franchise partners and a guest experience that’s unlike anything else in the industry. As we look ahead, we’re focused on operational excellence, innovative growth strategies and ensuring every guest enjoys the perfect night out.”Crawford joined Melting Pot in March 2020, bringing operational leadership experience from brands including Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Bennigan’s. His work in franchise support and brand transformation has helped strengthen Melting Pot’s system and position it for continued growth.“We’re building on our legacy with fresh momentum,” Crawford said. “Even though Melting Pot has been delivering unforgettable dining experiences for 50 years, we’re actively evolving — from restaurant design to training, technology and operations. This next phase of growth is about honoring what makes the brand special while building for the future.”As part of its continued investment in leadership, Melting Pot also&nbsp;announced a series of internal promotions and title changes across its executive team.<ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-barnett-1a948a9/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Randy Barnett</a> was promoted from vice president of technology to chief technology officer.</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mobley-ii-shrm-scp-211978/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mike Mobley</a> was promoted from vice president of people to chief talent officer.</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zurcher-73067917/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Matt Zurcher</a> was promoted from director to vice president of franchise and restaurant operations and added to the leadership team.</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-stone-cfe-b6b2808/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dan Stone’s</a> title changed from chief operating and development officer to chief business officer.</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-malmqvist/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ana Malmqvist’s</a> title changed from chief marketing officer to chief brand officer.</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pierce-6725957/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Scott Pierce</a>, chief financial officer, remains a member of the leadership team.</li></ul>“These changes reflect the strength and depth of our internal talent,” Crawford said. “We’re building a best in class leadership structure that will support franchisees, team members and guests for decades to come.”Melting Pot also signed two new franchise agreements in the first half of 2025. The brand will open in North Dallas, Texas, with new franchisees Dan and Tracie Greene, and in Syracuse, New York, with an existing franchisee group leading development.The signings follow the launch of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/melting-pot-50th-anniversary-fondue-celebration-2728979">Melting Pot’s 50th anniversary celebration in April</a>, which featured limited-time menu offerings such as the Grand Reserve Cheese Fondue and renewed emphasis on the brand’s core identity as the destination for the Perfect Night Out®.Melting Pot also continues its decades-long commitment to community involvement through its partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The brand’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpot.com/charity-community.aspx?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Thanks and Giving campaign</a> has raised over $18 million dollars for the charity over the past 20 years.To fuel continued expansion, Melting Pot will launch a new franchise incentive program on July 1. As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the brand is offering a Golden Anniversary Incentive: 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. The incentive applies exclusively to new builds and cannot be combined with other programs, such as the IFA’s VetFran or DiversityFran initiatives.As Melting Pot continues its momentum, the brand is seeking franchisees ready to build on its 50-year legacy, with a special focus on strategic growth in key markets such as Texas, Florida, Michigan, California, and Tennessee.To learn more about franchising with Melting Pot, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.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 92 restaurants in 31 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. Melting Pot is an affiliate of The Melting Pot Inc. (TMPRI), a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpot.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.meltingpot.com</a>. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025-2729741" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.

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Melting Pot Mid-Year 2025: Leadership Team Expands Amid 50th Anniversary and Franchise Growth

1851 Franchise

The premier fondue franchise is building on its 50th anniversary with expanded leadership roles, new development deals and a continued focus on brand evolution.

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Melting Pot Names New CEO, Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Continued Growth and Leadership Promotions

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TAMPA, Fla.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com">Melting Pot</a>, the 94-unit experiential fondue franchise, is launching a strategic push to expand its footprint across Canada. Following a surge in inquiries from Canada, specifically, and strong growth in 2025, including four new restaurants opened and three additional franchises awarded, Melting Pot is looking to build on that momentum. With an Edmonton location, which has been operating for over 15 years, the brand already has a flagship spot and has identified a key opportunity to build on that presence through 2026 and beyond.“We saw a lot more people reaching out from Toronto and Calgary; we saw a need,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-benyo-1bb36a248">Collin Benyo</a>, Franchise Growth Strategist. “There’s already a fondue culture ingrained in Canada, and there’s nothing else like what we do in the country, not the four-course experience we provide. This unique positioning, combined with our existing footprint in Edmonton, sets us up well for growth.”<a href="http://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a> has identified Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa as core hubs for expansion. Now, the team is looking to partner with qualified entrepreneurs who are intimately familiar with the hospitality landscape in Canada to open between one and five new restaurants by 2030.As it pursues growth in Canada, Melting Pot is focused on finding the right franchise partners who bring hospitality experience and intimate knowledge of the market. This will ensure Melting Pot is able to build an incredible foundation and set the stage for its “presence to be felt just as it is in the U.S.”“As we grow in Canada, we’re specifically looking for people who are familiar with the hospitality industry and understand the demands of running a hospitality franchise&nbsp;in Canada. It’s a different approach,” Benyo said.By prioritizing partners with strong roots in the Canadian market, Melting Pot will leverage shared expertise to navigate the nuances of labor and supply chain requirements, maintaining a model that protects franchisees’ margins and respects guests’ expectations from day one rather than retrofitting a U.S. strategy after doors open. In fact, Melting Pot only requires three products to be imported outside of Canada, and has identified local Canadian options for all other purchases necessary to operate a Melting Pot.To support this momentum, the brand is launching a thorough outreach campaign that will culminate with the Toronto Franchise Show September 19-20, 2026. This period will include local open houses and direct conversations with prospective investors to build a long runway in the country.“We are a brand that fits the culture of Canada perfectly,” Benyo said. “We’ve refined our operational and purchasing game plans, and we’re excited to connect with the right partners who will help the brand to thrive in the growing market.”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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Melting Pot Announces Strategic Expansion Across Canada, Targets Major Hubs for New Growth

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Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

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Crain’s Detroit Business: Fondue Restaurant Plans Michigan Expansion

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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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Melting Pot Names New CEO, Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Continued Growth and Leadership Promotions

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