Melting Pot

<a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melting Pot®</a>, the country’s quintessential fondue dining franchise, is gearing up for tremendous growth. As the world begins slowly opening back up amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are hungry for exceptional, in-person dining experiences, and Melting Pot offers prospective franchisees a prime opportunity to tap into this demand through a beloved product, streamlined operations and a flexible work/life balance. Now, with nearly 100 locations nationwide, the Melting Pot team is looking for qualified franchise prospects to help reach 125 open units by 2026.&nbsp;“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 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakonturner?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shak Turner</a>, senior director of franchise development. “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.”How Melting Pot Created the Country’s Top Fondue Franchise OpportunityIn 1975, the first Melting Pot location opened its doors in Maitland, Florida. With a simple menu of Swiss cheese fondue and chocolate fondue, as well as a cozy and quaint atmosphere, the restaurant’s popularity quickly grew. Soon, a college student named <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-johnston-03731668?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mark Johnston</a> saw the business boom, and after receiving permission from the original owners, enlisted the help of his brothers <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-johnston-4b6b0a4a?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-johnston-29038610?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mike</a> to open an additional corporate-owned Melting Pot location in Tallahassee. In 1985, the Johnston brothers purchased the rights to Melting Pot and officially began franchising the concept.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I was in high school at the time”, said Bob Johnston, CEO of <a href="https://www.frontburnerbrands.com/fact-sheet/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Front Burner Brands</a>. “I wanted to support this exciting opportunity, so they brought me on to wash dishes. As I got into guest service, I really got a charge out of it. And although I didn’t start with a restaurant background, that’s the story of a lot of our franchisees.”Over the past 40 years, Melting Pot has become synonymous with fondue dining for&nbsp; celebrations large and small and has continued to grow steadily with dedicated, passionate franchise owners across the country. Today, the brand is affiliated with multi-brand parent company Front Burner Brands, which leverages its extensive franchise and restaurant industry expertise to support and <a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/about-us/melting-pot-future-vision/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">evolve</a> the Melting Pot franchise worldwide.&nbsp;This year, the brand is unveiling a new spin-off franchise concept called Melting Pot Social, which expands on Melting Pot’s winning menu by utilizing a full-kitchen instead of a cold-kitchen, as well as creates a bar-centric atmosphere to further appeal to the pent-up demand for social outings. The first location is opening later this summer.How Melting Pot Franchisees Benefit From a Streamlined Operational Model, a Flexible Work/Life Balance and Industry-Leading Brand RecognitionAs the country’s favorite fondue concept, Melting Pot offers franchisees a rare opportunity to help guests turn moments into memories and celebrate all of life’s occasions with friends and family around a fondue pot. Thanks to the communal nature of a fondue dining experience, Melting Pot creates an unmatched full-service restaurant business opportunity.“If you’re looking to start something that isn’t going to be just another restaurant in your area, Melting Pot offers a one-of-a-kind franchise opportunity,” said Turner. “We are not quite casual dining, but also not quite fine-dining — we’re ‘polished casual.’ There are not a lot of other franchise concepts in that zone. Our primary goal is to provide the infrastructure and proven business model necessary so franchisees can provide customers with a perfect night out. Giving people the chance to put their devices down and be with each other is more important than ever.”In addition to offering a cherished consumer offering, franchisees also benefit from a streamlined and cost-effective operational model. Since Melting Pot restaurants operate as a cold-kitchen, franchise owners don’t need to hire a chef who knows how to run a line or cook on the grill. This means food and labor costs remain significantly lower than industry averages in full service restaurants.Turner also says franchisees enjoy a flexible work/life balance since Melting Pot locations are primarily only open for dinner. “We have franchisees who are teachers during the day and run the restaurant at night,” said Shak. “If a franchisee wants to spend the morning or afternoon home with their family on the weekend, Melting Pot ownership offers that attractive lifestyle.”&nbsp;How the Melting Pot Team Supports Franchisees and Connects Them With Premier Vendor PartnershipsThrough the brand’s affiliation with Front Burner Brands, the Melting Pot team is able to offer a robust suite of ongoing <a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/why-melting-pot/training-support/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">training and support</a> to franchisees. Each owner is supported by the&nbsp; Restaurant Support Center All-Stars business coaches at the home office and in the field who provide assistance on everything from site selection, training, national and local marketing, operations guidelines and much more.“We love, love, love, love the Melting Pot,” says Hollis Silva, owner of two Melting Pot locations. “We're strong believers in this brand. And, you know, we can't wait till we can get our third location.”The Melting Pot team also supports franchisees in establishing a successful supply chain by connecting them with the brand’s premier vendors. “Franchisees have the opportunity to tap into our long-standing relationships with premier cheese and chocolate vendors, Emmi Roth and Puratos,” said Turner. “Our products are higher-quality than anyone else, which is why we serve 692,060 pounds of cheese and 542,250 pounds of chocolate on an annual basis.”&nbsp;Why Melting Pot Is Set for Major Growth in 2021 and BeyondNow, with the goal of reaching 125 locations over the next five years, the Melting Pot team is looking for qualified prospects to help expand the brand across the country. With access to a streamlined business model and in-depth support, Turner says the ideal Melting Pot franchisee doesn’t necessarily need any restaurant experience but should bring a passion for the brand and a love of customer service.&nbsp;“We want someone who is passionate about the Melting Pot brand and is looking to own the fondue segment in their area,” said Turner. “That is why a lot of our most successful franchisees have grown up with the brand, starting as a server, working their way up to manager, operating partner, and then franchisee. If you’re passionate about offering a great customer experience and a Perfect Night Out™, this is the opportunity for you.”Looking ahead, the Melting Pot team has identified several target markets primed for growth, including Birmingham, Charleston, Chattanooga, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Greensboro, Houston and Memphis.For more information, visit: <a href="https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/</a>About Melting PotFounded in 1975, Melting Pot has offered a unique fondue dining experience for more than 45 years. As the premier fondue restaurant franchise, Melting Pot has 97 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 <a href="http://pages.themeltingpotclubfondue-email.com/Profile_Center?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Club Fondue</a> for exclusive promotions, special events and advance holiday reservation privileges. Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.meltingpot.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.meltingpot.com</a>. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit <a href="http://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.meltingpotfranchise.com</a>.About Front Burner BrandsFront Burner Brands is a franchise management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to Melting Pot, founded in 1975 with nearly 100 restaurants in the U.S. states and Canada. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.frontburnerbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026-2716116" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.</a>

Melting Pot, the Nation's Favorite Fondue Franchise, Announces Strategic Growth Plan To Reach 125 Locations by 2026

1851 Franchise

The fondue brand sets its sights on the Southeast as it looks to bring its unique "polished-casual" concept to Birmingham, Charleston, Chattanooga, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Greensboro, Houston and Memphis.

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

melting-pot-the-nations-favorite-fondue-franchise-announces-strategic-growth-plan-to-reach-125-locations-by-2026

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Own a Melting Pot

How Much Does it Cost

Franchisee Highlight

Innovative Retail Strategies

Celebrating 50+ Years of Business

Learn

Visit Website

MELTING POT

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

Melting Pot San Antonio Celebrates 20 Years With Stunning Remodel and Grand Reopening

Love Stories and Family Traditions: How the Reeves Brought Melting Pot Back to Their Community

50 Years of Fondue and Family: Melting Pot Celebrates Its Legacy and Looks to the Future

MELTING POT MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT MELTING POT

CONTACT MELTING POT

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

City

State / Province

Why are you interested in owning a Melting Pot?

Fondue Franchise Opportunities

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

Melting Pot 50th anniversary photo, featuring three people enjoying celebratory drinks and fondue

Melting Pot Celebrates 50 Years of Fondue Magic With a Year of Special Menus, New Offerings and Unforgettable Moments

melting-pot-50th-anniversary-fondue-celebration

Photo of 50th Anniversary Melting Pot fondue with golden chives

melting-pot-franchise-50th-anniversary

Menu Talk: Melting Pot CEO Bob Johnston Reflects on 50 Years of Fondue and Innovation

melting-pot-50th-anniversary-bob-johnston-interview-menu-talk

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

Crain’s Detroit Business: Fondue Restaurant Plans Michigan Expansion

melting-pot-michigan-expansion

Melting Pot, the Nation's Favorite Fondue Franchise, Announces Strategic Growth Plan To Reach 125 Locations by 2026

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS