Posts
April 16, 2026
Kristina Gonzalez
Tampa-based fondue chain Melting Pot is targeting San Jose for its reentry into the Bay Area market. The restaurant is eyeing San Jose as part of a broader expansion into markets such as Oregon, Nevada, Utah and South Florida, according to a February press release.
Read More About Melting Pot targets San Jose for Bay Area reentry by year's end
April 13, 2026
Jan Cottingham
Although it opened only five months ago, on Nov. 11, the Melting Pot in Rogers performs consistently among the top 10 of the locations in the chain, according to co-owners Candice Hickerson and her mother, Diana Bonnett
Read More About Rogers Melting Pot Already Ranks Among the Chain’s Top Locations
February 06, 2026
Anastasia Dawson
Tampa-based fondue chain Melting Pot is balancing a tight line: It aims to grow a new customer base while keeping the company’s more traditional diners satisfied.
Read More About Melting Pot celebrates milestone with brand makeover, merchandising
November 19, 2025
Chuck Merlis
Melting Pot CEO JC Crawford is reinventing how the Tampa-born brand delivers the perfect night out.
Read More About Melting Pot CEO JC Crawford pushes bold menu and expansion strategy
October 14, 2025
Caroline Robinson
Through Jan. 4, 2026, guests nationwide can support St. Jude's lifesaving mission by purchasing a Donate & Dine card in restaurants or online for $20. In return, guests will receive $40 off a 2026 dining visit at any Melting Pot location.*
Read More About Melting Pot Launches 22nd Annual St. Jude Thanks And Giving® Campaign Benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
September 17, 2025
Caroline Robinson
Melting Pot, the world's premier fondue restaurant, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the launch of an exclusive Golden Anniversary 4-Course dining experience, available for 50 days from Sept. 22 through Nov. 10 at all locations.
Read More About Melting Pot Celebrates 50 Years With Golden Anniversary 4-Course Fondue Experience
September 05, 2025
Brooke Strickland
As Melting Pot turns 50, new CEO John “J.C.” Crawford outlines his vision for modernizing the Tampa brand while staying true to its roots.
Read More About New Melting Pot CEO wants to freshen up fondue for a new generation
August 26, 2025
Barbara Lynch
For fifty years, The Melting Pot has been more than a fondue restaurant — it’s been the backdrop to first dates, anniversaries and unforgettable celebrations. But don’t mistake longevity for complacency. Under newly appointed Chief Executive Officer John “JC” Crawford, the iconic brand is stepping into a bold new chapter — and it’s doing so with a strategic edge that discerning investors should take note of.
Read More About The Melting Pot’s Golden Moment
August 20, 2025
Michael Crumb
The Melting Pot Restaurant Inc., a Florida-based fondue restaurant, is exploring space in the Des Moines metro as it looks to expand to Iowa. The company, which turned 50 in April, is the only fondue franchise in the U.S. with 92 locations around the country, according to Collin Benyo, the company’s franchise growth strategist.
Read More About Dipping into Des Moines: The Melting Pot eyes expansion to Iowa
August 01, 2025
Joanna Fantozzi
John “JC” Crawford was named CEO of the fondue brand as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary
Read More About How The Melting Pot’s first successor CEO is preserving the brand’s vision
August 01, 2025
Mark Gordon
Crawford is also taking that knowledge into his latest role: president of the Melting Pot, a Tampa-based pioneer in fondue dining. The Melting Pot is known both for being an occasion-style restaurant destination and its variety of fondue cooking styles and entrées. The menu also has salads, fine wines, spirits and chocolate fondue desserts.
Read More About New Melting Pot leader dishes on growth goals, culture lessons
July 22, 2025
Alyssa Hulgen
After a five-year growth drought, Melting Pot is ready to grow since opening a couple units this spring. CEO John Crawford thinks this is indicative of a new chapter for the fondue concept.
Read More About Where Are They Now? Melting Pot Resumes Growth Under New CEO
July 10, 2025
Jo-Lynn Brown
John “JC” Crawford has been appointed CEO, succeeding founder Bob Johnston, who will remain chairman of the board. Crawford, who joined Melting Pot in 2020 as executive vice president of operations, brings decades of restaurant leadership experience from brands like Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Bennigan’s
Read More About Melting Pot names new CEO, announces franchise expansion
July 03, 2025
Mark Gordon
The Melting Pot, a Tampa-based fondue experience restaurant celebrating 50 years in business in 2025, has named John “JC” Crawford CEO.
Read More About Fondue chain names new CEO, adds others to executive team
July 01, 2025
Kimberly Dupps Truesdell
Melting Pot is considering a second Indiana location, which would be the first dedicated fondue dining experience in the Summit City.
Read More About Fondue franchise eyes expansion into Fort Wayne market
Discover how Melting Pot’s leadership team is evolving in 2025 as the brand marks its 50th anniversary and expands franchise opportunities nationwide
Read More About Melting Pot Mid-Year 2025: Leadership Team Expands Amid 50th Anniversary and Franchise Growth
June 12, 2025
Brian Simms
Almost 10 years after closing, a national chain restaurant is eyeing a return to the Lexington dining market. As part of a recent expansion, fondue-themed Melting Pot says it has identified Lexington as one of its top markets.
Read More About This restaurant chain eyes a return to Lexington after 10 years
April 07, 2025
The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.
TAMPA (April 7, 2025) – Melting Pot is officially back and now open in St. Petersburg, bringing its unique interactive dining experience with signature craveable cheese and chocolate fondue to the city for the first time since 2020. Located at 699 Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg, this highly anticipated return is part of the ...
Read More About Melting Pot Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Grand Return to St. Petersburg
April 02, 2025
The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.
Melting Pot, the world's premier fondue restaurant, is celebrating 50 years of perfect nights out with the introduction of its exclusive, limited-time Grand Reserve Cheese Fondue, available April 2-30.
Read More About Melting Pot Celebrates 50 Years of ‘The Perfect Night Out’
April 02, 2025
Don Cazentre
The Melting Pot fondue restaurant plans to reopen a location at Syracuse's Destiny USA later this year.
Read More About Fondue time: The Melting Pot plans a return to Destiny USA in Syracuse
