TAMPA, FL – One challenge in converting an existing restaurant into a new one is cash flow. Many operators are hesitant to close their restaurant, even when redesigning it could lead to a better customer experience and financial outcome. melting pot has decided to help solve this problem by creating an incentive that will not only cover potential lost revenue, but will also provide the existing restaurant owner with a signage package and marketing fund upon completion.

Transform your restaurant incentive

• Are your existing restaurant’s sales not meeting your expectations? Do you wish you had more support as a restaurant owner? Do you want the marketing and operational resources of a national chain?
• An approved candidate or current Melting Pot franchisee may complete a conversion of their existing non-Melting Pot restaurant by paying only a franchise fee of $5,000 per unit (discounted from $45,000* – with a discount paid at contract signing). Conversion must begin 90 days after the franchise agreement.
• In addition to the lower franchise fee, Melting Pot will cover up to $12,500/month for up to 6 months of lost revenue during the transition. This gives an existing restaurant operator the opportunity to close and reopen as Melting Pot. Additionally, Melting Pot will provide you with $5,000 for a sign package and $25,000 (managed by the Melting Pot marketing team) to market the new Melting Pot location.

The incentive comes immediately after strong franchise and restaurant growth in 2024.

“We are very pleased to highlight the four new franchises we have awarded this year. This growth is being driven by both new owners and an existing owner who has decided to expand,” said CEO Bby Johnston“I’m very pleased with the momentum we’ve built so far, but I’m even more excited about the opportunity to continue growing with up to five new deals by year-end in key markets such as 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 others from previous contracts are all currently under development, meaning franchisees have already secured land and construction has begun.

The initial investment to build a new restaurant is $1,364,389 to $2,069,638, as listed in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

“The amount of investment depends on the amount of work that needs to be done at the existing restaurant. As part of the due diligence process, we connect candidates with existing Melting Pot franchise owners who have already gone through the remodeling process to help them understand the potential costs,” said Collin Benyo, Franchise Growth Specialist.

Thanks to thorough training and long-term support from a team of experts, Melting Pot’s owners are prepared to provide their communities with a truly unique dining experience while working toward realizing their own entrepreneurial dreams. Streamlined kitchen buildouts and greater flexibility in real estate usage also allow owners to get off the ground faster than other, more traditional hospitality concepts, meaning they can become profitable even faster.

With nearly 75% of restaurants reporting record sales in 2022, it’s clear that Melting Pot is in high demand. A key driver of this traffic is the push to transform restaurant interiors, refresh the experience, and prove its flexibility and longevity.

A heritage brand with a history spanning over four decades, Melting Pot has established itself as the go-to fondue restaurant nationwide for eatertainment, socializing, celebration and dining experiences. For franchisees who choose to open a location, the franchise opportunity also offers the chance to become a local hero of sorts.

“The brand’s mission is to provide guests with the perfect evening, whatever that may look like – especially today, after everything that has happened in the world over the past few years,” said Johnston. “Guests choose us over other options because we carefully create an environment that encourages gathering and spending quality time with people they care about. Melting Pot provides the perfect environment for that. What happens in a Melting Pot depends as much on what happens around the fondue pot as what’s inside that pot.”

About Melting Pot

Founded in 1975, Melting Pot has been providing a unique fondue experience for over 45 years. As a leading fondue restaurant franchise, Melting Pot has 93 restaurants in 31 U.S. states and Canada. Known for its variety of fondue cooking styles and unique entrees, Melting Pot also offers cheese fondues, salads, fine wines, spirits and chocolate fondue desserts on its menu. Fondue fans can join Melting Pot’s Club Fondue and receive exclusive offers, special events and advance holiday reservations. Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company based in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. For more information about franchise opportunities at Melting Pot, visit www.meltingpotfranchise.com.

About Front Burner

Headquartered in Tampa, Front Burner is the restaurant management company for Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., the new casual, fancy dining concept Melting Pot Social, and the 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 Asheville, NC in July 2021. Oronzo opened its first location in Tampa, FL in June 2020 and will open a second location in the area in October 2021. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.

*Does not apply to franchise successor contracts.