Leading Fondue Restaurant’s Financing Program Provides Opportunity for Managers to Become Franchisees
The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., the world’s premier fondue restaurant and a leading polished casual dining franchise, announced today it has signed its first “Path to Grow” program (PGP) franchise agreement, granting ownership of the Spokane, Washington Melting Pot to Hollis and Kim Silva, who are currently managers of the restaurant. PGP gave the Silvas the financing needed to purchase the existing restaurant located at 707 West Main Avenue, which has been serving the Spokane community since March 2008.
“This is a tremendous milestone for us, as we officially ignite our Path to Grow financing program with two of The Melting Pot’s most dynamic and deserving managers,” said Dan Stone, chief business & people development officer at Front Burner. “We’re thrilled to grant this opportunity to Hollis and Kim, as Kim has been part of The Melting Pot family for nearly a decade. We take pride in knowing that our PGP financing program allowed them to achieve their dream of franchise ownership. Their enthusiasm and passion for the brand is palpable, and we look forward to watching the Silvas flourish in their new venture.”
Kim Silva first joined The Melting Pot team in 2008 as a server and bartender at the restaurant in Spokane. With polished skills and a personality to match, Kim made her way up the ranks and was promoted to general manager in 2013. Hollis joined her on the management team last year. Now as franchisees, they plan to leverage their experience and in-depth knowledge of the brand to propel their restaurant into another decade of success.
“The Melting Pot has been like a second home to us since we first stepped foot in the door almost 10 years ago, and our belief in the brand has only gotten stronger,” said Kim. “We’re so thankful for The Melting Pot’s Path to Grow program, which made it possible for Hollis and I to move forward with this new venture. We are filled with optimism as we begin our journey, and are committed to providing unparalleled service to the residents of Spokane.”
The PGP financing program takes the financial burden off operators who are approved to become franchisees of The Melting Pot by enabling them to invest as little as 5 percent liquidity into the purchase of an approved, existing restaurant. The franchisor provides up to 95% of the financing in the form of a loan to the franchise partner to allow them to acquire the location. The loan is typically serviced by the new franchisee over the course of four years. PGP financing is available for the purchase of select existing The Melting Pot franchises. Operators and managers with experience in casual dining or fine dining may qualify and apply for PGP financing – experience with The Melting Pot brand is not required.
To catapult the brand’s expansion efforts nationwide, the concept will be hosting a complimentary informational franchise webinar on Thursday, Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. (EDT) to educate qualified candidates. To register for the upcoming webinar, please visit http://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/upcomingEvents.aspx.
The Melting Pot operates more than 125 restaurants across 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, and has over 10 locations in development internationally. The concept is known for offering an assortment of flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées served with signature dipping sauces. The menu features a variety of à la carte selections, highlighting customizable options that invite guests to enjoy one, two, three or more courses as they select any combination of individually-priced cheese fondues, salads, entrées and chocolate fondues.
To learn more about ownership opportunities with The Melting Pot or to apply for PGP financing, contact Christina Hobbs, director of franchise development for The Melting Pot, at chobbs@meltingpot.com, or call 800-783-0867 ext. 109.
Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot has offered a unique fondue dining experience for more than 40 years. As the premier fondue restaurant franchise, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. has more than 125 restaurants in 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and over 10 international locations in development. A leading polished casual dining franchise, The Melting Pot was recognized as the No. 2 casual dining restaurant in the Nation’s Restaurant News 2016 Consumer Picks report. Known for offering a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées, The Melting Pot’s menu also features cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts. Fondue fans can join The Melting Pot’s Club Fondue for exclusive promotions, special events, and advance holiday reservation privileges. The Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with The Melting Pot, please visit www.meltingpotfranchise.com.
Front Burner is a franchise management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1975 with 126 restaurants in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and 10 locations currently in development internationally. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.
