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

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Melting Pot, the 94-unit fondue franchise, is looking to open 15 new restaurants by 2025. A key driver of this growth will be the brand’s newest target market, New Orleans. With space for three new locations in the Louisiana market, The Melting Pot is seeking passionate, qualified franchisees to pioneer expansion in New Orleans and beyond, including Baton Rouge and Lafayette.

“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 Louisiana.”

The Melting Pot previously had two Louisiana locations, both of which were closed in 2018 for reasons outside the brand’s control. This only provides additional motivation to the development team as they work to revive the brand’s presence in the state.

“We are hungry to return to Louisiana knowing very well that the state provides ample opportunity to potential new franchisees,” explained Collin Benyo, franchise growth strategist at The Melting Pot. “Louisiana is a fantastic culinary destination. The population density and collection of a wide diversity of residents make this a top priority for the brand.”

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, Chattanooga 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.