The Melting Pot Targets Chattanooga, Tennessee for Expansion as It Works to Open 15 New Restaurants by 2025

CHATTANOOGA, TN – The Melting Pot, the 94-unit fondue franchise, is looking to open 15 new restaurants by 2025. A key driver of this Melting Pot franchise growth will be the brand’s newest target, Chattanooga, Tennessee. With space for five new locations in the market, The Melting Pot is seeking passionate, qualified franchisees to pioneer the expansion.

“The past two years have been incredible for The Melting Pot,” said Bob Johnston, CEO. “In 2022, 74 restaurants in the network achieved all-time sales records. There is a clear demand from our guests, and we’re excited to take on this expansion, bringing The Melting Pot to even more people in Tennessee.”

With two existing restaurants in the state, brand awareness is strong in the area. Though The Melting Pot has seen guests travel substantial distances in order to eat at the restaurant, opening additional locations will only make the fondue more accessible for loyal guests and interested new visitors.

Better yet, The Melting Pot has built a name for itself beyond just fondue in the state. By participating in charitable events, it has become integrated with local communities, and the local affinity for The Melting Pot has steadily grown over the years.

“Tennessee is rich with history and capacity,” said Collin Benyo, franchise growth strategist at The Melting Pot. “Our dedication and partnership with St. Jude Children’s Hospital over the past 20 years has driven our brand presence in the state. Last year, we worked hard together to raise over a million dollars during our Thanks and Giving Campaign.”

In 2022, The Melting Pot took on a major remodeling effort, beginning to implement the Melting Pot Evolution prototype, which embraces more modern, playful elements and an up-to-date floor plan. With plans to have every restaurant in the system remodeled by the end of the year, all new openings will also utilize the new design.

Johnston noted that, in 2022, remodeled stores performed 16 percentage points better than those that had not been remodeled. Given that 2022 was already a record year, this statistic is an impressive testament to the value and appeal of the new design.

With valuable internal growth and evolution, the franchisor is primed to explode in the coming years. As it continues to grow, The Melting Pot is also targeting Memphis, Houston, Charleston and Montgomery for additional growth.

About Melting Pot

Founded 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 94 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 Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit www.meltingpotfranchise.com.

About Front Burner

Headquartered in Tampa, Front Burner is the restaurant management company for Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., the new casual whimsical dining concept Melting Pot Social and fast-casual concept Oronzo Honest Italian! Melting Pot currently has more than 96 restaurants in 31 U.S. states and Canada. Melting Pot Social opened its first location in July 2021 in Asheville, NC. Oronzo opened its first location in Tampa, FL. in June 2020 and will open a second location in the area in October of 2021. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.