Why The Melting Pot Is Poised for Explosive Growth in 2023

With decades of history, The Melting Pot, the 94-unit fondue franchise, has built an incredible network of passionate franchisees and corporate leadership. After surviving the challenges of the pandemic and coming out stronger, the brand continues along an impressive growth trajectory. Consumer demand for both the cuisine and connection offered by The Melting Pot has reached new highs, and the franchise is poised for explosive growth as it works to meet that demand.

Who Is Right for Melting Pot?

Family, connection and building a legacy is at the heart of the Melting Pot brand. CEO Bob Johnston started his work with the brand decades ago as a back-of-house employee. After finding his way to a more guest-focused role, he began to realize just how much he enjoyed hospitality.

Over the years, Johnston bought the brand from its previous owners, grew the footprint with additional units and even allowed his children an opportunity to work in the restaurants. Many of the values that he has displayed over the course of this journey are seen in Melting Pot candidates today.

“We just talked to someone whose husband started in the dish pit, just as our friend Bob did,” explained Collin Benyo, franchise growth strategist at The Melting Pot. “When you have someone who is willing to grow the business from the very bottom and be at a position he’s in now, that’s the American dream. That’s ownership; that’s being someone in the community who represents us as a brand and does a great job of it.”

Benyo continued to explain just how important these values are. Many candidates will express uncertainty about their qualifications because they have never been in the hospitality or service industry before. With many successful franchisees who had a similar background when they first entered the system, it’s clear that the simplicity of the business model positions franchisees who are driven and passionate, regardless of their backgrounds, to succeed.

The Heart of The Melting Pot

“I can’t successfully explain that,” said Johnston. “I think the only way to really understand it is to go through the discovery process which culminates in you having the opportunity to come to the Restaurant Support Center and meet our most valuable assets — our team.”

The Melting Pot business model has been perfected over decades. With simple back-of-house operations, streamlined processes and great franchisee education, local owners are positioned to succeed. However, the heart of The Melting Pot goes back to its foundation of beliefs and values and the team members who embrace those values each day.

It is these same values that impact how Melting Pot team members interact with and support one another, forging strong relationships and creating longevity within the system.

The Future of The Melting Pot

“We have been tremendously blessed and successful coming out of COVID,” said Johnston. “There’s a reason for that: The Melting Pot is all about connections, and this is something that people were starving for during that period of time… For our guests, it’s more about an emotional appetite to connect with people you care about.”

While the clamor for this type of emotional connection has died down, Johnston explained, the brand’s sales growth continues to soar. This is proof that the growth the brand is experiencing is not just a fluke — it’s the future. Now, The Melting Pot is adapting to the new normal.

After focusing intently on the health of the existing franchise network while it sustained the consequences of the pandemic, which was especially hard on the restaurant industry, The Melting Pot is now looking to grow again with franchisees who are ready to address the spike in consumer demand.

A key driver of this future growth will be the remodel push that the brand initiated last year. As a part of “Melting Pot Evolution,” all restaurants in the system are slated to be remodeled to fit the updated market and vision by next summer.

“A lot of the investments that are happening are from the store level back into those stores to show the community that they are fresh, up to date and a part of the hospitality scene,” said Benyo. “We’re giving people the option to experience Melting Pot, maybe in a way they never did before, and the sales are showing for it.” 

As The Melting Pot continues to grow, there has never been a better time to get in touch with the team.

“The number one thing I would say is that the opportunities will not last forever,” said Johnston. “If there is sincere interest, now is the time to explore that interest.”

Watch the full conversation here.

Total investments range from $1.3 million–$2 million. For more information, visit https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/.