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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Sandy D’Elosua
National Director of Public Relations and Social Media
The Melting Pot Restaurants
813-425-6217
sdelosua@meltingpot.com
The Melting Pot Restaurants Celebrate 35th Anniversary Announcing Major Milestones:
International Expansion, A New Corporate Identity and New Concepts
TAMPA, Fla. - (June 16, 2010) – As The Melting Pot Restaurants (http://www.meltingpot.com) celebrate the concept’s 35th anniversary, the company announces the achievement of major milestones including international expansion into Canada and Mexico, a new corporate identity (Front Burner Brands), and two new concepts in development, Burger 21 and Peel, with Burger 21 slated to open late this fall.
“It is kind of amazing,” said Bob Johnston, president and COO of The Melting Pot. “Our game plan when we got involved in this was to open 30 restaurants. Back in the day, we thought that was The Melting Pot’s potential. Obviously, we weren’t thinking big enough. It’s exciting to be well beyond that and still growing, especially today. There is not a lot of restaurant companies, there’s not a lot of companies period, that are growing, and we’re excited to still be in growth mode.”
The company is expanding further internationally with one location already open in Edmonton, Canada, six more under construction in the region and seven units in development in Mexico. This first Mexico location is scheduled to open this fall. In addition to Canada and Mexico, the company is also looking into the Middle East, Australia, Asia, India and Brazil for expansion opportunities.
“We looked at our long term growth strategy and realized the brand is in high demand with phenomenal reception outside of the U.S.,” said Dan Stone, director of franchise development. “We can’t put our concept on every street corner, so expanding internationally was the next logical step.”
Another step Bob and Mark Johnston decided to take for continued growth was to establish an umbrella organization, Front Burner Brands, which will launch in January 2011. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., its portfolio of concepts will include The Melting Pot, GrillSmith and two new concepts developed with the help of Chef Chris Ponte (of Café Ponte in Clearwater, Fla.), Burger 21 and Peel.
Burger 21 is a chef-inspired concept with offerings including 21 unique burger creations ranging from hand-crafted, freshly ground beef to poultry and seafood, crisp salads, constructed hot dogs and an extensive milkshake bar including hand-dipped floats, malts and shakes.
Peel consists of fresh artisan cuisine including homemade soups, salads, pizzas, sandwiches and pastas.
For more information about any of the Front Burner Brands concepts, please contact Sandy D’Elosua at the Franchise Support Center, 813-425-6217.
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About The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc.
With 143 restaurants in North America, existing locations in 36 states and Canada and over 20 locations currently in development, The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. is the premier fondue restaurant franchise. At The Melting Pot, fondue becomes a memorable four-course dining experience where patrons can dip into something different. Guests enjoy a choice of four flavorful fondue-cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées combined with special dipping sauces. The menu also includes cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts. Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot’s corporate headquarters are in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com or email info@meltingpot.com.
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