Last month, Orlando, Fla.-based fondue chain The Melting Pot
named John “JC” Crawford its first successor CEO, as founder Bob Johnston
took a step back into the role of chairman.
Crawford first joined The Melting Pot in March 2020 as executive vice president
just when COVID-19 shutdowns were happening. Before that, he had a 10-year career
in various leadership roles at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and most recently
as COO of Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine.
“I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with a team that's passionate
about hospitality and innovation, and I’m looking forward to guiding the company
into the next chapter of growth,” Crawford said. “I appreciate Bob's trust in me,
and the partnership with the leadership team and franchisees. We hope to have
success for years to come.”
As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, Crawford steps into the chief
executive role with the goal of balancing The Melting Pot’s legacy with the
needs of modern customers.
For example, the company began focusing on expanding its reach and relevance
by introducing a store remodel program over the past few years that gives
restaurants a brighter, more modern facelift.
The Melting Pot is also going all-in on marketing initiatives like the
50th anniversary gold reserve cheese fondue and 24-karat gold chocolate fondue,
made with cookie-butter caramel, toasted marshmallow, gilded pecans and gold flambé.
However, Crawford said, even though the brand is constantly innovating,
it’s important to remember the core purpose, which is in-person dining experiences.
“What I love about The Melting Pot compared to other restaurants is people are
focused on each other as they sit around and have that experience,” he said.
“They're not on their phones. They're involved in having conversation around the pot.
… The other big piece is creating additional opportunities for guests to dine.
One big part of our renovations and our new restaurant openings making the footprint
of the bar a bit bigger for folks who just want to come in for cheese or chocolate
and happy hour, and they can do that.”
That doesn’t mean The Melting Pot is eschewing technology investment. The company
is leveraging voice AI technology to supplement phone calls for making reservations.
Crawford said the company is looking into more ways to use technology to meet consumer needs.
Moving forward, Crawford said he is focused on completing the restaurant remodels
(which have been completed in about 85% of the system) and opening new stores.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, The Melting Pot will be opening in Arkansas,
and stores are planned next year for Syracuse, N.Y.; Reno, Nev.; and Allen, Texas.
“I really want The Melting Pot to be the gold standard in experiential dining,”
he said. “We do a lot of things well, but we're going to continue to enhance what
people already love about us: connection, celebration, indulgence, and delivering
the perfect night out by expanding our reach and relevance with new generations.”
Contact Joanna at
joanna.fantozzi@informa.com
