Category - News
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
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 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
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 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
February 25, 2025
Jay Davis
The Tampa, Fla.-based restaurant chain has scoped out Ann Arbor, Canton and Lansing as possible homes for the company’s newest locations. The first new restaurant could open as soon as late this year, according to Melting Pot CEO Bob Johnston.
Read More About Fondue restaurant plans Michigan expansion
February 25, 2025
Chris Fry
A fondue restaurant is celebrating their 50th year in business with big plans for the Garden State as The Melting Pot is looking to open as many as four new locations in some of New Jersey’s most prominent towns.
Read More About Melting Pot Plans New Jersey Expansion to Jersey City and Beyond
February 22, 2025
Hoboken Girl Team
In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2025, The Melting Pot is planning to open at least two new locations in the Jersey City, Belleville, and Princeton areas within the next three years.
Read More About 41 Hoboken + Jersey City News Stories This Week
February 06, 2025
Kimberly Redmond
As part of a strategic expansion effort, the popular fondue restaurant franchise aims to launch four new locations across the state over the next few years. Melting Pot says it will target the areas of Jersey City, Belleville and Princeton as potential sites. The company also says it could have at least two spots up and running by 2028.
Read More About Popular fondue franchise Melting Pot heats up in NJ
February 04, 2025
Susan Ellis
The Melting Pot — the Florida-based fondue restaurant — closed its Memphis restaurant at 2828 Wolfcreek Pkwy. near Wolfchase Galleria back in 2014. And ever since, they've said they want back in the Memphis market. They said it in 2014. And in 2021. And yet again in 2022.
Read More About Is this the year The Melting Pot returns to Memphis?
January 27, 2025
Rachel Greco
A fondue-themed restaurant chain with locations in Grand Rapids and Troy aims to open a Lansing area location in the next few years.
Read More About Fondue restaurant chain targets Lansing, Ann Arbor, Canton markets for new locations
December 31, 2024
Blaine Howerton
For two decades, the Melting Pot has been a beloved destination in the heart of Old Town, Fort Collins, offering more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Known for its interactive dining and warm hospitality, the restaurant has become a staple for celebrations and special occasions. To mark its 20-year milestone, I spoke with Alex LaBracke, who has played a pivotal role in maintaining the restaurant’s legacy, to uncover the secrets behind its enduring success.
Read More About The Melting Pot: Celebrating 20 Years of Fondue and Community in Fort Collins
November 18, 2024
Emily Shiffer
The Melting Pot, a chain of fondue restaurants based in Tampa, Florida, is eyeing Charleston for a 2025 restaurant opening.
“We have not actually secured Charleston–but it is at the top of our expansion list,” says Collin Benyo, Franchise Growth Strategist at The Melting Pot Restaurants. “We are looking for a franchisee to bring ...
Read More About The Melting Pot Restaurants Looks To Expand to Charleston
