The Melting Pot
Food & Beverage · Full-Service Restaurants
- Royalty
- 5.0%
of weekly Net Sales
About The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is the original fondue restaurant that offers an unforgettable dining experience. Guests can indulge in a variety of unique entrees, salads, and indulgent desserts, all prepared through the art of fondue. With several fondue cooking styles to choose from, including creamy cheeses and delicious chocolates, there is something for everyone's taste. The restaurant takes pride in its commitment to providing gluten-free options for diners with dietary restrictions. In addition to the delectable menu, The Melting Pot offers a range of services and features. Guests can enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the restaurant, complete with rose petals and candles, perfect for a special date night. The restaurant also offers Fondue To-Go, allowing customers to take home their favorite creamy cheese fondue, fresh salad, rich chocolate fondue, and even local beverage options. With numerous locations across the country, The Melting Pot is a favorite destination for those looking to have a great night out filled with fun, frivolity, and, of course, fondue. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a unique dining experience, The Melting Pot is sure to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories.
Key terms
- Franchise fee
$45k
- DiversityFran (qualified minorities)
20% reduction of initial franchise fee for the first location for qualified minorities new to the system
- Brand fund
1.2% of Net Sales
- Local advertising
2.5% of Net Sales
- Footprint
3,000 – 5,000 sq ft
- Veteran discount
20.0% off franchise fee — VetFran: 20% reduction of initial franchise fee for the first location for qualified veterans new to the system
Brand Percentile Rankings
Rankings compare brands in the same operating year. Fee and investment figures come from the FDD (2026 filing); filings on file: 2025, 2026.
Growth
- Total locations88
Franchised units open at year-end
- New openings3
Gross new units opened during the calendar year
- 1-year unit growth rate3.5%
Net unit growth versus prior year
- 3-year unit CAGR0.6%
Compound annual growth rate of unit count over the trailing 3 years
- Unit growth ratio3.0×
Cumulative opens / closures through year-end
Unit economics
- Annual unit volume (Median)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (25th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (75th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- 1-year Median AUV growth rate—
Year-over-year change in median AUV
- Store-level EBITDA Margin—
Median unit-level EBITDA / AUV
Investment profile
- Estimated initial investment$2.1M
Midpoint of estimated initial investment range
↓ Lower is better - Time to open—
Midpoint of average time from agreement to opening
- Royalty rate5.0%
Percent of net sales paid to the franchisor
↓ Lower is better - Sales-to-investment ratio—
Median AUV / estimated initial investment midpoint
- Cash-on-cash returns—
Median unit-level EBITDA / estimated initial investment midpoint. Steady-state estimate; year 1 returns will be lower as the unit ramps to median volumes.
Franchisee healthLocked
- Unit closure ratio
- Transfer vs. closure ratio
- Percent multi-unit franchisees
- Litigation rate
- EBITDA multiple on sales & transfers
Create your free Glidepath account to access full brand information.
Sources
Financial and operating figures are sourced from the brand's Franchise Disclosure Documents. Brand percentile rankings are based on comparisons to other brands that include the same metrics in their Franchise Disclosure Documents.