The Melting Pot Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
The Melting Pot, founded in 1975, is a leading fondue restaurant franchise known for its unique, memorable dining experience.
Based in Tampa, Florida, the brand began franchising in 1985 and now operates over 90 locations in 31 U.S. states and Canada.
Managed by Front Burner Brands, The Melting Pot focuses on a distinct fondue-centered concept, featuring options like cheese, chocolate, and entrée fondues.
Guests enjoy a curated menu with salads, wines, and spirits, perfect for social dining and special occasions.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a The Melting Pot franchise? It costs on average between $1,364,000 – $2,070,000 to start a The Melting Pot franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
| Real Estate Services Fee | $2,500 |
| Real Estate (Rent – First 3 months) | $28,500 to $81,250 |
| Security Deposit | $0 to $22,916 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $602,110 to $963,445 |
| Computer and Point of Sales Hardware/Software | $25,000 |
| Computer Software Installation and Training; First Year Subscription | $8,900 to $15,000 |
| Gift Card Processing and Website Development/Enhancement Fee (3 months) | $677 to $747 |
| Restaurant Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures and Signage | $438,826 to $572,482 |
| Utility Deposits | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Opening Inventory and Supplies | $65,000 to $75,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $15,000 to $20,000 |
| Training Expenses | $31,026 to $68,299 |
| Licenses – Alcoholic Beverages, Business and Health | $6,000 to $10,000 |
| Insurance | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Legal | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| Accounting Firm (3 months) | $2,100 to $2,500 |
| Reservation System (3 months) | $1,750 to $3,500 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $85,000 to $145,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT UNDER THE FRANCHISE PROGRAM | $1,364,389 to $2,069,638 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a The Melting Pot franchise? A The Melting Pot franchised restaurant makes on average $2,203,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
This compares to $1,132,000 yearly revenue for similar restaurant franchises. Below are 10 The Melting Pot competitors as a comparison:
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We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
The Melting Pot Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many The Melting Pot locations are there?
As of the latest data, The Melting Pot operates a total of 92 locations across the United States and Canada. All 92 units are franchise-owned, as the brand has fully transitioned to a franchising model.
What is the total investment required to open a The Melting Pot franchise?
The total investment required to open a The Melting Pot franchise ranges from $1,364,000 to $2,070,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a The Melting Pot franchise?
The Melting Pot franchise requires ongoing fees, including a 5% royalty fee and a 2% national marketing fee, both calculated from gross sales.
The royalty fee supports operational assistance and brand maintenance, while the marketing fee funds advertising efforts to promote the brand nationally, ensuring consistent visibility and customer engagement across all franchise locations.
What are the financial requirements to become a The Melting Pot franchisee?
To qualify as a franchisee for The Melting Pot, candidates are required to demonstrate a minimum net worth of $1 million and have at least $500,000 in liquid capital.
These financial prerequisites ensure that prospective franchisees have the necessary resources to cover initial investment costs, manage operational expenses, and support the brand’s high standards in the experiential dining sector.
How much can a The Melting Pot franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a The Melting Pot franchise are approximately $2.20 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $2.20 million yearly revenue can result in $330,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns The Melting Pot?
The Melting Pot franchise is owned by Front Burner Brands, a franchise management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Front Burner Brands oversees The Melting Pot as its premier brand in the casual dining segment, offering a unique fondue dining experience across North America.
Disclaimer
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