Melting Pot

<a href="http://meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-michigan-expansion-2728796" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melting Pot</a>, the iconic fondue franchise known for its interactive dining experience, is planning to grow in Michigan with potential locations in Ann Arbor, Canton and Lansing. CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-johnston-4b6b0a4a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-michigan-expansion-2728796" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob Johnston</a> anticipates the brand’s first new restaurant could open as soon as Q4 2025.The expansion plans coincide with the brand’s 50th anniversary as&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">Melting Pot</a> celebrates decades of meaningful service and a special place in guests’ hearts.With nearly 100 locations and high-performing locations in Michigan already, Melting Pot is positioned to see more healthy expansion in the state. Based on an analysis of the brand’s performance in Troy and Grand Rapids, in conjunction with sales modeling and cell phone data, Melting Pot has determined optimal locations for new restaurants that will allow owners to thrive without encroaching on existing restaurants’ sales.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hawkins-ab180437/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-michigan-expansion-2728796" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dan Hawkins</a>, a part-owner of the Grand Rapids locations, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/melting-pot-plans-michigan-expansion?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-michigan-expansion-2728796" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Crain’s Detroit Business</a> that new Michigan locations would be a good investment.“I like the idea and concept of a place where you celebrate and gather with friends would be really popular in Ann Arbor with all the things they have going on there,” Hawkins said. “I think Lansing would be a good spot for similar reasons.”Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/melting-pot-plans-michigan-expansion?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-michigan-expansion-2728796" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-michigan-expansion-2728796" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.

Photo of Melting Pot fondue spread with cheese and chocolate, bread, meats and fruits

Melting Pot Fondue Franchise Plans Expansion in Michigan

1851 Franchise

The fondue franchise is looking to open new restaurants to build on its already-successful presence in the state, targeting growth in Ann Arbor, Canton and Lansing.

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Crain’s Detroit Business: Fondue Restaurant Plans Michigan Expansion

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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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Fondue Franchise Opportunities

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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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 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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Crain’s Detroit Business: Fondue Restaurant Plans Michigan Expansion

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