Our Business Model Includes:
Cheese Fondue
- Each fondue order is served with artisan breads and seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Cheese options vary by location and include guest favorites such as Cheddar, Spinach Artichoke, Bacon & Brie, Fiesta, Quattro Formaggio, and Classic Alpine
- Prosciutto, dry salami, hot salami, and other cured meat dippers may be available
- Gluten-free dippers are also available
Salads and Sides
- Options include Melting Pot House Salad, Caesar, California, and Bacon & Blue Spinach
- All salads feature Melting Pot’s signature dressings
- Bar Bites, at select locations, including Quesadilla, Seven-Cheese Mac, Rosemary Fries, and Buffalo Cauliflower
Entrée Fondue
- Premium proteins and vegetarian items served with seasonal vegetables
- Guests choose from a variety of fondue cooking styles including Court Bouillion, Coq au Vin, Mojo, Cast-Iron Grill, and Bourguignonne
- Entrée options vary by location and include dishes such as The Classic, Steak Lovers, Land and Sea, Pacific Rim, and The Garden Pot
- Guests can create their own entrée fondue from a lineup of premium-quality ingredients, from chicken or duck breast to pork, sirloin, vegetarian, fish, shrimp, and more
- Guests may add a cold-water lobster tail to any entrée
Chocolate Fondue
- Each chocolate fondue is served with a variety of sweet treats and fresh fruits
- Chocolate fondue dipper options include Warm Churro Loops, Cream Puffs, and Cheesecake
- Chocolate fondue options vary by location and include desserts such as The Original, Flaming Turtle, Pure Chocolate, and Bananas Foster
- Gluten-free dippers are available upon request
Beverages
- Premium wines from celebrated wineries around the world, available in bottles and by the glass
- Flights of hand-selected classic and local wines accompanied by plates featuring cheese, salad, entrée, and fondue
- Local, craft, and major market beers
- Spirit-free options include tea, lemonade, and chocolate milk
- Iconic cocktails include TMP’s G&T, Authentic Mai Tai, and Melting Pot Mule
- Classic cocktails include Yin & Yang Martini, Whiskey Business, and Lemon Berry Mojito
- After-dinner cocktails, dessert wines, and specialty spirits
Available Extras
- Melting Pot Cookbook featuring a collection of our classic recipes
- Signature dipped strawberries
- Gift cards redeemable at any Melting Pot location nationwide
- Garlic & Wine seasoning
- Chocolate fondue wafers
Full Meal Options
- The Complete Fondue Experience for Two includes a choice of any one cheese, two salads, two of our classic entrées (with an option for added lobster tail) prepared in the selected cooking style, and any one chocolate fondue.
- The Big Night Out Dinner for Two includes a choice of any one cheese, two salads, a single shared entrée (either Big Night Out or Bigger Night Out) of premium proteins prepared in the selected cooking style, and any one chocolate fondue.
We’ve built a national reputation for a world-class dining experience in an immaculate, inviting environment that encourages guests to settle in and celebrate. It’s helped make us a leading name in the industry and a business in step with our guests and franchise owners.
Our Story
Melting Pot began as a cozy, three-item fondue restaurant in 1975 in Maitland, Florida. Since then, we’ve grown into a polished casual-dining brand known for more than delicious food—we offer a one-of-a-kind interactive dining experience. Over nearly five decades, we’ve redefined the fondue dining niche and created environments where friends, families, and couples come together to share memorable moments around a bubbling pot of fondue.
Our legacy is rooted in a commitment to innovation and exceptional guest service. The Johnston brothers, who acquired and grew the brand starting in the late 1970s, established a foundation of quality, hospitality, and thoughtful expansion. Today, with over 90 locations across the United States and internationally, Melting Pot continues to set the standard in the “eatertainment” space.
Melting Pot Franchise Model
The innovative Melting Pot business model is designed to deliver seamless operations and an elevated guest experience. We’ve developed a structure that prioritizes quality at every touchpoint, from our fresh ingredients and handcrafted menu offerings to the carefully curated atmosphere in our restaurants. Each location is designed to be warm, welcoming, and sophisticated and blends traditional fondue roots with a modern approach to service.
Our focus on data-driven decision-making is key to Melting Pot’s growth. We openly share key performance indicators (KPIs) across our franchise system to help our owners benchmark their performance against top-performing locations. Our Balanced Scorecard system ensures transparency and helps franchisees stay aligned with the brand’s high standards and goals. It’s a level of collaboration and accountability that has helped us maintain our reputation for consistency and quality.
Our streamlined operations are supported by decades of experience in restaurant management and franchising. From inventory control to kitchen efficiency, we’ve perfected systems that allow our franchise owners to focus on what matters most: creating unforgettable guest experiences. Every aspect of our business model has been designed to maintain the right balance between operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Dedicated to Our Franchise Owners
As a franchisor, we believe in a partnership approach. Our franchisees are supported by a dedicated team of professionals who work hand-in-hand with owners throughout their journey. From initial concept development to ongoing operational assessments, we’re here to ensure that every franchisee feels empowered and equipped. Each new franchise owner is assigned a Franchise Business Consultant who provides guidance on day-to-day operations and long-term strategy.
In addition to operational support, we offer extensive marketing assistance. Our franchisees work with a Marketing Brand Manager who helps develop tailored local campaigns to increase guest counts and build community engagement. And our support network is designed to provide franchisees with expert resources to help ensure they’re never alone.
The Future of Melting Pot
As we look to the future, Melting Pot remains committed to evolving our brand and maintaining our leadership role in the fondue dining industry. Our new design concept, “Melting Pot Evolution,” modernizes our restaurants while preserving the charm and intimacy that our guests have always loved. We’re focused on sustainable growth and continue to expand in both domestic and international markets with an eye toward long-term brand vitality.
How We Train and Prepare Franchisees
Training is an essential part of Melting Pot’s franchise experience. From the moment a franchise agreement is signed, our franchisees begin a comprehensive onboarding process that combines classroom-style instruction with hands-on training. This ensures they have a deep understanding of our operations, guest experience expectations, and brand values before opening their doors.
Beyond initial training, we offer continuous learning opportunities. Our franchisees participate in workshops, webinars, and annual conferences designed to foster community and keep everyone informed of new developments and best practices. We take our commitment to ongoing education seriously, and that helps our franchisees stay competitive in an ever-changing industry.
Initial Training
- Onboarding training for owners, managers, and staff
- Both hands-on and classroom training
- Training held at a certified Melting Pot training location
- Comprehensive education on the Melting Pot franchise model and operations
Continuing Training
- Onsite and remote training for owners and staff
- Melting Pot training team helps staff members stay current on operations and industry innovations
- Training available as needed and upon request
- Workshops, webinars, and conferences help owners network and build connections in the brand and industry
Answering the Question: Why Franchise with Melting Pot?
Franchise ownership with Melting Pot places you in a brand with a dominant position in its category and a framework for modern operations as you expand your business, featuring several standout selling points that help set us apart from the competition, including but not limited to:
- Major Market Availability
- Established Legacy Brand and Reputation
- Ownership of the Fondue Dining Category
- Industry Leadership
- Immaculate, Inviting Atmosphere
- Strategic Expansion Plans
- Multiple Revenue Streams
- Protected Territories
- 360° Marketing and Club Fondue
And there’s much more to Melting Pot than our unique selling points. Over the fifty years we’ve been serving our growing pool of loyal guests, we’ve developed a business model focused on giving our franchise owners the essential tools for growth.
A unique menu of fondue classics, unmatched service and atmosphere, and a dedication to delivering superior owner support are the keys to franchise development. We back you from Day One to help ensure you have everything you need to operate your business and help your guests turn moments into memories.
Learn more about our exciting franchise opportunities and discover how Melting Pot is helping to shape the industry for the future — schedule an appointment to discuss what comes next.
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