Tiffany Haney
The Melting Pot is a chain of fondue restaurants in the United States and Canada. The Tampa, Florida-based company has 97 locations as of January 2021, with 93 locations in the United States and 15 of those in Florida. The first Melting Pot opened in April 1975 in Maitland, Florida, and the menu now contains various cheese fondues, wines, salads, entrées of meat and seafood served with dipping sauces, and chocolate fondues. The Melting Pot offers an interactive dining experience, inviting conversation, laughter, and coming together over food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of locations | 93 in the US, 15 of which are in Florida, and 1 in Canada (as of February 2024) |
| Headquarters | Tampa, Florida |
| CEO | Bob Johnston |
| Menu items | Cheese fondue, salads, meat, seafood, chocolate fondue, wine, beer, cocktails |
| Dining style | Semi-private |
| Atmosphere | Dimly lit, seating in booths |
| Services | Takeout, delivery, catering, reservations |
The Melting Pot's history
The Melting Pot is a chain of franchised fondue restaurants based in Tampa, Florida, with locations in the United States and Canada. The first Melting Pot opened in April 1975 in Maitland, Florida, with only three items on its menu. In 1979, Mark, Mike, and Bob Johnston opened The Melting Pot of Tallahassee, Florida, with permission from the original owners.
In 1984, the Johnston brothers purchased all rights to the Melting Pot brand and expanded the business into a franchise. As of February 2024, the chain has about 93 locations in the United States, with 15 of those in Florida. There is also one location in Canada, in Edmonton. The Melting Pot is part of Front Burner Brands, with Bob Johnston, the youngest brother of founders Mike and Mark, serving as the current CEO.
The restaurants offer a unique dining experience centered around fondue, with various cheese fondues, wines, salads, entrées of meat and seafood served with dipping sauces, and chocolate fondues. The main courses are also available in fondue style, with meat, poultry, pasta, or seafood options. The Melting Pot provides an interactive and social dining experience, encouraging conversation and laughter among guests. The interiors of the restaurants are designed with dark red and black colours, dim lighting, and mostly booth seating, with private booths available away from the main room.
The menu offerings vary by area, but the ""4 Course Experience" is a standard option, including one serving each of cheese fondue, salad, entrée, and chocolate fondue. The Melting Pot also offers special-occasion packages for anniversaries, weddings, and other celebrations. In addition to their in-restaurant dining, The Melting Pot has introduced a to-go option, allowing guests to enjoy the fondue experience in the comfort of their homes.
Using the Nostalgia Chocolate Fondue Fountain: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
The menu
The Melting Pot is a chain of fondue restaurants in the United States and Canada. The menu features a mouth-watering array of cheese and chocolate fondues, as well as a variety of other dishes.
Cheese Fondues
The Classic Alpine and Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Fondue are timeless options, but for those seeking something more adventurous, the Spinach Artichoke or Fiesta Fondue are also available. The fondue is served with crusty, artisan bread for a truly indulgent experience.
Chocolate Fondues
For chocolate lovers, the Original or Pure Chocolate Fondue is a classic choice, with options for dark, milk, or white chocolate made with the finest cacao beans. The Yin & Yang Fondue offers a unique blend of dark and white chocolate, while the Flaming Turtle—a tableside flambé of chocolate, caramel, and pecans—is a true spectacle.
Entrées
The Melting Pot offers a range of entrées, including premium filet mignon, herb-crusted chicken breast, shrimp, and teriyaki steak. These dishes can be cooked to your preference using one of the five fondue cooking styles and paired with a variety of sauces to create a truly customized flavor experience.
Salads
Fresh salads are also on the menu, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich fondues.
Drinks
The Melting Pot offers a selection of wines and craft beers to complement the fondue experience.
Special Occasions
The restaurant also caters to special occasions, offering packages for anniversaries, weddings, and other celebrations.
To-Go Options
For those who prefer to enjoy their fondue at home, The Melting Pot offers a to-go service, allowing customers to indulge in their favorite fondues, salads, and beverages in the comfort of their own homes.
White Wine for Fondue: The Perfect Dry Pairing
You may want to see also
The dining experience
The Melting Pot is a unique dining destination and the original fondue restaurant. The restaurant offers an interactive dining experience that goes beyond the meal to invite conversation, laughter, and socialising. The dining experience is designed around you, with a range of options to customise your menu. You can choose from a variety of artisan cheeses, fresh salads, savoury entrées, and indulgent desserts. The Melting Pot also offers a range of wines and craft beers to pair with your meal.
The Melting Pot's fondue experience is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a night out with friends, a romantic dinner, or a celebration. The restaurant offers a four-course experience that includes a cheese fondue, salad, entrée, and chocolate fondue. The main courses include a variety of fondue cooking styles, as well as meat, poultry, pasta, or seafood options. The restaurant also offers special-occasion packages for anniversaries, weddings, and other events.
In addition to the in-restaurant dining experience, The Melting Pot also offers a to-go option, allowing you to enjoy the fondue experience in the comfort of your own home. You can order creamy cheese fondue, fresh salads, rich chocolate fondue, and local beverage options to take away. The Melting Pot also offers delivery and curbside pickup at select locations.
The Melting Pot is a chain of franchised fondue restaurants with locations in the United States and Canada. The restaurant's interiors are designed with dark red and black colours and dim lighting, with seating mostly in booths. The semi-private dining experience helps guests to socially distance while dining out. The headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida, and the company has about 93 locations in the United States as of February 2024, with 15 of those in Florida.
Chocolate Fondue with Marshmallows: A Decadent, Easy Treat
You may want to see also
Locations
The Melting Pot is a chain of franchised fondue restaurants based in Tampa, Florida, with locations across the United States and Canada. As of February 2024, there are around 93 locations in the US, 15 of which are in Florida. The company has plans to remodel its stores, offering a more open dining room layout.
The first Melting Pot opened in 1975 in Maitland, Florida, and had only three items on its menu. The chain expanded in 1979 when Mark, Mike and Bob Johnston opened a second location in Tallahassee, Florida. The Johnston brothers then purchased all rights to the brand in 1984 and expanded the business into a franchise.
The restaurants offer a unique dining experience, with guests enjoying several fondue cooking styles and a variety of entrees, salads and desserts. The Melting Pot is designed to be a social dining experience, with guests gathering around a table and sharing food and conversation. The interior is decorated in dark red and black colours, with dim lighting and booth seating.
- Bedford-Burlington, MA
- Charlotte Lake Norman, NC
- Wilmington, NC
- Columbia, SC
There is also one remaining location in Canada, in Edmonton.
Alton Brown's Fondue: A Guide to Making It Perfectly
You may want to see also
Special events
The Melting Pot is a chain of fondue restaurants in the United States and Canada. The menu features a variety of cheese fondues, wines, salads, meat and seafood entrees served with dipping sauces, and chocolate fondues. The restaurant offers special-occasion packages for events such as anniversaries, weddings, and other celebrations.
For a special event, The Melting Pot can provide a unique and memorable dining experience. The restaurant's intimate and social atmosphere makes it perfect for gathering with family and friends. The Melting Pot offers a "Thursdate" package, which includes a romantic table setting with rose petals and candles, creating a special occasion for couples. They also offer a "Friendsday" promotion every Wednesday, with a 3-course fondue experience and shareable drinks.
The Melting Pot's fondue menu can be customized to suit the occasion, with options for up to four delightful courses. Guests can choose from a variety of artisan cheeses, fresh salads, savory entrees, and indulgent desserts. The restaurant also offers gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
In addition to their regular menu, The Melting Pot occasionally features special events and promotions, such as their "Oktober FondueFest," where guests can enjoy a meatier and cheesier take on Oktoberfest with Bavarian Beer Cheese Fondue and premium dippers. The restaurant also participates in charitable initiatives, such as their partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®, where guests can donate and receive a "Donate & Dine Card."
Creative Fondue Pot Recipes for Fun and Flavorful Meals
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Melting Pot is a chain of fondue restaurants in the United States and Canada.
The Melting Pot offers an interactive dining experience with a variety of fondue cooking styles and unique entrees, salads, and desserts. It is a place to gather, unplug, and enjoy conversation and laughter with family and friends.
The Melting Pot menu features various cheese fondues, wines, salads, entrees of meat and seafood with dipping sauces, and chocolate fondues. The main courses can be cooked in oil or broth, and there are also special-occasion packages available.
The Melting Pot has locations across the United States, with a focus on Florida, where the company is based. As of February 2024, there are about 93 locations in the US, 15 of which are in Florida. There is also one remaining location in Canada, in Edmonton.
Yes, for the first time, the Melting Pot is offering a to-go option, where you can enjoy their fondue experience in the comfort of your own home. You can order creamy cheese fondue, fresh salad, chocolate fondue, and local beverage options to take away.
