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 94 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. Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
Today’s guest is Franchise Growth Strategist, Collin Benyo. He assists potential franchisees in their journey to ownership. Having worked for Melting Pot for almost 15 years, he knows the ins and outs of the day-to-day process and strives to convey the success and wins he obtained to a new chapter of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
[2:10] - Collin shares the story of Melting Pot’s beginning.
[3:32] - Starting out as a dishwasher for Melting Pot is the current CEO of the company.
[4:45] - At the height, Melting Pot had roughly 130 locations. But their growth retracted a bit for a time.
[6:39] - Currently, Melting Pot has 4 corporate locations.
[8:30] - Josh shares his impression of Melting Pot from many years ago.
[10:27] - Melting Pot’s previous reputation was as a fancy dining experience that customers only went to once or twice a year. Their look and feel is different now.
[13:50] - Collin completed his Master’s degree internship at Melting Pot and loved the experience.
[16:09] - What sets Melting Pot apart from other hospitality franchises?
[18:59] - The focus for growth is primarily in the Southeast United States, but franchisees can come from anywhere and usually come as a Melting Pot fan.
[21:54] - The selling point for franchisees is Discovery Day.
[23:09] - An goal for Melting Pot is to partner with hotels and be present as hotel restaurants.