The Melting Pot: Redefining the Fondue Dining Experience

The Melting Pot is a chain of franchised casual dining restaurants based in Tampa, Florida. The restaurant's journey began in 1975 when it was founded in Maitland, Florida. Initially, the menu was simple, offering just three items: Swiss cheese fondue, beef fondue, and a chocolate fondue dessert.

Over the years, the menu has expanded significantly to include a variety of salads, meat entrees, chicken, pasta, and seafood, providing a comprehensive fondue dining experience.

In 1979, brothers Mark, Mike, and Bob Johnston opened a Melting Pot location in Tallahassee with the owners' permission. By 1985, they had acquired full rights to The Melting Pot brand and established The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. This marked the beginning of a new era for the brand.

Since then, The Melting Pot has grown its presence through franchising, offering a unique dining experience that focuses on communal cooking and dining. The brand is known for its interactive dining style where guests can cook their meals at the table, making it a popular choice for special occasions and social gatherings.

Training 

The Melting Pot provides an extensive training program designed to equip franchisees with the essential knowledge and skills needed to successfully operate their restaurant.

Training Program Overview

This program incorporates diverse learning methods to ensure thorough preparation.

Mandatory Attendees

A minimum of five individuals are required to attend and complete the initial training program. This group must include the franchisee's Operating Principal, the General Manager, and between two to four members of the franchisee’s management team, depending on the restaurant's size.

Training Curriculum

The program covers a broad range of topics, including:

• Sales techniques
• Product orientation
• Accounting procedures
• Food preparation
• Operations management

Training Logistics

Training takes place at designated locations specified by The Melting Pot. Members of the Management Staff must commence their training at least five weeks prior to the restaurant's opening, with the entire training program spanning a period of at least thirteen weeks.

Training Costs

Franchisees are responsible for all personal expenses incurred by trainees during the training programs. This includes costs related to transportation, lodging, meals, wages, and employee benefits.

Territory Protection

Franchisees are granted an exclusive territory, referred to as the "Territory." Within this Territory, franchisees have the sole right to operate a MELTING POT® Restaurant and utilize the MELTING POT® system.

Defining the Territory

The size and boundaries of the Territory are determined based on the total population within a specific geographical area. The Territory's dimensions can vary, with different radius measurements depending on population density.

Continuation of Rights

The continuation of territorial rights is not contingent upon meeting specific sales targets or market penetration. However, franchisees must adhere to the terms outlined in the Franchise Agreement.

Commitment to Exclusivity

The Melting Pot pledges not to establish any other MELTING POT® Restaurants, whether franchised or company-owned, within the designated Territory. Additionally, they will not open any other food establishments that serve fondue products prepared at the table or feature fondue products as a significant menu item outside the Territory under the MELTING POT® brand.