Designed for independent restaurants looking to add operational support and supply chain power to their brand, the iconic fondue franchise Melting Pot launches plan to make the conversion attractive.
by Nick Powills
1851 Franchise Publisher
One challenge when converting an existing restaurant to a new one is cash flow. Many operators are reluctant to shutter, even if re-concepting could equal a better customer experience and financial outcome. Melting Pot has decided to help solve this by launching an incentive that not only covers potential revenue loss, but also gives the existing restaurant owner a signage package and a marketing fund once completed.
Convert Your Restaurant Incentive
- Are the sales of your existing restaurant not meeting your expectations? Do you desire more support as a restaurant owner? Do you desire the marketing and operating resources of a national chain?
- A candidate or current Melting Pot franchise owner that is approved may execute a conversion of their existing non Melting Pot restaurant, paying only a $5,000 franchise fee per unit (discounted from $45,000 * – with a rebate paid at lease signing). Conversion must start 90 days after franchise agreement.
- In addition to the lower franchise fee, Melting Pot will cover up to $12,500/month for up to 6 months in lost income during the conversion buildout. This will allow an existing restaurant operator the chance to close down and reopen as a Melting Pot. Additionally, Melting Pot will give you $5,000 toward a sign package and $25,000 (managed by the Melting Pot marketing team) to market their new Melting Pot location.
The incentive comes on the heels of strong 2024 franchise and restaurant growth.
“We’re very excited to highlight the four new franchises we’ve awarded this year. This growth is driven by both new owners and an existing owner who has chosen to expand,” said CEO Bob Johnston. “I’m very pleased with the momentum we’ve built thus far, but I’m even more excited about the opportunity we have to continue growing through the end of the year with up to five new deals in key markets like Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas and Kentucky.”
The four new franchises awarded this year are in Larkspur, California; Reno, Nevada; Bentonville, Arkansas and Nashville, Tennessee. These four restaurants, and four more from previous deals, are all currently in development, meaning franchisees have already secured real estate and construction has begun.
The initial investment for a new restaurant build, as detailed in the Franchise Disclosure Document, is $1,364,389 to $2,069,638.
“The investment will range depending on the amount of work that needs to be done to the existing restaurant. As a part of the due diligence process, we will connect candidates with existing Melting Pot franchise owners who have gone through the process of remodeling to help them understand the potential costs,” said Collin Benyo, Franchise Growth Specialist.
With robust training and long-term support from a team of experts, Melting Pot owners are prepared to deliver a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience to their communities as they work toward achieving their own entrepreneurial dreams. A streamlined kitchen build-out and increased real estate flexibility also empowers owners to launch more quickly than what would be possible with other, more traditional hospitality concepts, meaning they can become profitable even sooner.
With nearly 75% of restaurants achieving all-time sales records in 2022, it is clear that Melting Pot is in high demand. A major driver of this traffic has been its push to remodel restaurants’ interiors, refreshing the experience and demonstrating its flexibility and longevity.
As a legacy brand with over four decades of history, Melting Pot has established itself as the go-to fondue restaurant for “eatertainment,” connection, celebration and experiential dining in communities nationwide. For franchisees who choose to open a location, the franchise opportunity also presents an opportunity to become a local hero of sorts.
“It is the mission of the brand to provide guests with their perfect night out, whatever that looks like — especially today with what’s gone on in the world over the last few years,” Johnston said. “Guests choose us over other options because we carefully craft an environment that encourages gathering with people they care about and spending quality time with them. Melting Pot provides the perfect environment for that. What happens in a Melting Pot is as much about what’s going on around that fondue pot as what’s in that 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 93 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 MeltingPot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit MeltingPotFranchise.com.
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 FrontBurnerBrands.com.
*Not applicable to successor franchise agreements.
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