The Melting Pot is a full service restaurant where patrons actually wait in line to cook their own food. The franchise offers a four-course Dining Experience in an upscale environment complete with fondue pot, skewers, and attentive service staff. Guests can choose from four different fondue-cooking styles with a variety of proteins that include chicken, beef, shrimp, and lobster. The menu also offers a variety of cheese fondues, salads, wine, and chocolate fondues that are also available in take-home jars.
Background and Benefits
After 33 years in business and with over 130 locations, The Melting Pot has proven it is far more than an industry trend. The Melting Pot Restaurant has space available in many prime markets for interested potential franchisees and offers investors the right to become part of the leading fondue franchise concept in the nation. Franchisees enjoy considerable freedom from the conventional restaurant kitchen. Traditional chefs, fryers, ovens and grills are obsolete at The Melting Pot. Servers supply the ingredients while patrons cook and eat at their leisure.
How Much Does The Melting Pot Franchise Cost?
The Melting Pot provides a turnkey franchise complete with on-going marketing support through their Support Center along with operational training. They will even help you secure financing; however, The Melting Pot requires written verification of your ability to secure financing, plus proof that you have the initial investment funds. Development cost estimates are higher than average running between $727,845 and $1,494,395 and up, depending on the site, target market area, and build-out. The initial franchise fee is $35,000 and the non-financed minimum investment is between $250,000 and $300,000. The combined net worth requirement is $500,000. Partners are okay.
What We Like
The company determines your protected area and qualifying is fast and easy. To get started, simply logon to the website and answer a few questions. You will have to follow the licensing process and the operating systems of The Melting Pot, but the entire process takes only 60 to 90 days. Due diligence and discovery involves a game of 20 questions that goes from request form to “Decision day” in Tampa, Florida. The Melting Pot is right up front about the investment of time and Money. After that, they simply want to know, “Are you ready?”
Pros
- Marketing - Club Fondue offers wine tastings, food samplings, special events, and holiday reservation privileges with free Chocolate Fondue for two.
- Low Royalty - Monthly royalties are low for the restaurant industry at 4.5% of gross revenue. The Franchise Agreement renews in 10-year increments.
Cons
- Considerable investment required - Call Daddy Warbucks. This one is as expensive as a Mega Brand.
The Melting Pot Franchise Information
Business Established: 1975Franchising Since: 1986
Total Investment: $727,845 to $1,494,395
