The iconic fondue franchise has identified capacity for a new location in Nebraska and is focusing on development in Omaha.
By Morgan Wood, 1851 Franchise Contributor
After an impressive year of unit-level sales growth and system-wide remodeling efforts, Melting Pot, the 94-unit experiential dining fondue franchise, is eyeing growth in Nebraska. With capacity for a new Melting Pot restaurant in Omaha, the leadership team is looking for the right partner to revive the brand’s presence in the state.
Melting Pot will host a Discovery Roadshow with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce on March 25th at 3 p.m.
“There was a Melting Pot in Nebraska until 2014, when it closed due to circumstances beyond our control,” explained Collin Benyo, franchise growth strategist for Melting Pot. “We have seen market segmentation in Omaha that indicates the market is home to the right kinds of guests, and we know residents will be happy to have a Melting Pot nearby again.”
While the Midtown, Millard and Central Omaha areas stand out as strong neighborhoods within the market for growth, Melting Pot’s priority is finding a strong partner to “become the ambassador for our nationwide fondue brand in Omaha,” Benyo explained.
Because of this, the team is also open to looking into opportunities in other areas. Melting Pot’s flexible business model and minimal kitchen requirements allow franchisees to pursue non-traditional spaces. The real estate process is made much simpler, meaning new owners can place even more emphasis on their development and become profitable even sooner.
After extensive market research, Melting Pot is confident in the opportunity that exists in Omaha and has planned a trip to the area to dive even further into the possibilities. Melting Pot will host a Discovery Roadshow with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce on March 25th at 3 p.m. The Roadshow event will provide a forum for interested community members to learn more about the brand, why Omaha is a prime market for Melting Pot and the process for new franchisees to move forward with the franchise.
“We’re excited to bring Melting Pot back to Nebraska, and meeting with prospective owners at our March roadshow is an important step in that process,” said Benyo. “These events are a great opportunity to meet with interested community members, including franchisee candidates, financial backers and even landlords, to discuss what Melting Pot can mean for the community.”
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,” said Bob Johnston, CEO. “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. The 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.”
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.
After a strong 2023, with over 20% of restaurants reopening after a push to remodel, Melting Pot has continued to support growth in the system; the brand is on track to see a total of 37 remodeled reopenings this year alone. The franchisor has launched a new Franchisee Growth Incentive, offering new franchisees a compelling opportunity to join the Melting Pot family.
Franchise Growth Incentive | Expires July 1, 2024
A candidate or current Melting Pot franchise owner that is approved may execute a new restaurant franchise agreement, paying only a $5,000 franchise fee per unit (discounted from $45,000 * – with a rebate paid at lease signing). Leases must be executed within a 9 month period to earn the rebate.
Additionally, if a franchisee executes the lease within 6 months, they will receive a reduced royalty rate of 3% for the first year.
As the franchisor continues to work alongside passionate entrepreneurs to drive system growth, it’s also targeting expansion in Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, New York, Kansas, California, Nebraska, Ohio, Iowa, Colorado, Washington, Arizona, New Jersey and Mississippi.
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 94 restaurants in 31 U.S. states and Canada. Melting Pot Social opened its first location in July 2021 in Asheville, North Carolina, and its second location in Tampa, Florida, in June 2023. Oronzo opened its first location in Tampa, Florida, in June 2020. For more information, visit FrontBurnerBrands.com.
