How This Multi-Unit Melting Pot Franchisee Found Success

Mark Rosenthal was in the wine business for a number of years in the ‘80s, and he became closely familiar with the Melting Pot fondue brand when they were his client. The more he learned about the franchise, the more it sparked his interest as a way to “take control of my own life,” he said.

In 1993, he opened the Melting Pot in Knoxville, Tennessee, and then opened one in Nashville the following year. In the nearly 30 years since, he has been a part of and sold several locations to managers, helping to grow the franchise network internally. Today, Rosenthal and his business partners own four Melting Pots: in Houston, Texas; King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; Red Bank, New Jersey; and the Nashville location. 

He has continually invested in the brand because of its simplicity of operations. Rosenthal is admittedly not a culinary expert and more so enjoys the hospitality and management sides of running a restaurant.

“I always said I'd love to be in this business if I didn't have to cook anything. So Melting Pot has been a natural fit because it’s really more about entertaining people than anything else,” he said. 

“The industry has certainly evolved over time and become much more competitive. But the concept itself is still super strong because there's always that desire for folks to share an experience. The interactiveness of cooking together at a table and connecting — it's more of a way to bring people closer together,” Rosenthal explained. 

Over his nearly three decades as a multi-unit owner with the brand, he has enjoyed building up his team and watching them grow to be franchisees themselves. 

“We've changed people's lives. We've been really fortunate to have great people work for us. And I get to help them out their dreams in the same way I have, rewarding them with sweat equity and allowing them to purchase into our businesses,” said Rosenthal. “Seeing the success they have, that's always been the most important thing. There are a lot of great people in the system.”

“I just love the concept and investing in it. I enjoy the people I've worked with, both in the franchise and the guests. It's been very rewarding for me personally. It hasn't always been easy, but it's been a pretty good ride,” he added. 

Total investments range from $1.3–$1.5 million. For more information, visit https://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/. 

About Melting 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 96 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 www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit www.meltingpotfranchise.com. 

About Front Burner Brands

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 a second location in the Tampa, FL. area in November 2021. For more information, visit  http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.