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 brand’s 50th anniversary celebration, marking half a century of perfecting the art of fondue and delivering the perfect night out. In addition to its fondue menu options, the St. Petersburg location will feature locally inspired fondue flavors that highlight the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Grand Opening Festivities & Social Media Contest
To celebrate its grand opening and National Cheese Fondue Day on April 11, Melting Pot St. Petersburg is launching a “Tag to Win” Instagram contest. From April 7–10, fans can enter to win one of eleven $50 gift cards by following @TheMeltingPot_StPete, liking the contest post, and tagging friends in the comments. Winners will be announced on April 11 at 11 a.m. on Instagram.
The celebration continues with a Cheese Eating Contest on Wednesday, April 16, at 3:30 p.m., benefiting St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, a nonprofit organization serving the local arts and cultural community. Participants include Emmy-Award Actress, Camila Banus and local TikToker Caiti Mackenzie. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce will immediately follow at 4 p.m.
A Fresh, Modern Fondue Experience
The new 4,900-square-foot location offers a modern, inviting atmosphere with bright accents and multiple dining areas to provide guests with their choice of atmosphere for any occasion. Featuring 191 total seats across 42 tables and 76 cooktops, guests can enjoy an interactive fondue experience like never before.
Key Features of the New Melting Pot St. Petersburg Location:
- Indoor-Outdoor Bar: Sip on hand-crafted, artisanal cocktails at the bar, featuring a scissor-style garage door that opens to a spacious island bar with dining cooktops, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Chef’s Table: An exclusive 8-seat Chef’s Table offers a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes view into the kitchen for a truly immersive dining experience.
- Local Artwork: Stunning photography showcasing St. Petersburg’s beauty adds a personal, hometown touch to the ambiance.
- Multiple Dining Areas: A variety of dining options, including bar seating, round six-top tables, and the intimate “Lover's Lane” seating, ensures the perfect setting for any gathering—from date nights to group celebrations.
- Rich Ambiance: Warm, timeless natural materials such as wood and marble create a refined, inviting atmosphere.
“We’re thrilled to return to St. Petersburg, especially as we celebrate 50 years of fondue and the opportunity to create more unforgettable memories,” said Bob Johnston, CEO of Melting Pot. “Melting Pot has been part of this community for over 30 years, and guest demand made it clear—we needed to come back. This new Central Avenue location brings a fresh, modern take on the fondue experience we’re known for, and we can’t wait to welcome both new and returning guests.”
Reservations Now Open for Every Celebration
Since 1975, Melting Pot has been the go-to destination for the Art of Fondue, transforming meals into interactive, shareable experiences. Whether celebrating engagements, bachelorette parties, date nights, promotions, or even a well-earned good report card, Melting Pot is the perfect place to make every occasion special.
Guests can unwind at the indoor-outdoor bar for Down to Fondue Happy Hour with half-off cheese and chocolate fondues, plan a MeltOut with friends (launching mid-May) for a special three-course offer on Wednesdays, or enjoy a romantic 4-course Thursdate dining experience, complete with rose petals and candles.
The menu includes elevated cheese fondues, fresh salads, savory entrées, and decadent chocolate fondues for weekday dinner, weekend lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy local favorites such as Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Fondue, Brie & Fig Cheese Fondue, DulChai de Leche Chocolate Fondue, and Burnt Orange Grand Marnier Chocolate Fondue.
Melting Pot St. Petersburg is open Monday-Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday 4-11 p.m., Saturday 12-11 p.m. and Sunday 12-10 p.m. For reservations, visit meltingpot.com/saint-petersburg-fl or call 727-342-1001. Follow Melting Pot St. Petersburg on Instagram at www.instagram.com/themeltingpot_stpete/ or Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheMeltingPotStPete.
About Melting Pot
Founded in Maitland, Florida, in 1975, Melting Pot is the world's premier fondue restaurant. The 50-year-old legacy brand serves over 3 million customers annually as they celebrate the Perfect Night Out—whether for a birthday, anniversary, date night or any special occasion. Famed for its variety of fondue cooking styles and unique entrees, Melting Pot's menu features cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts, offering a premium dining experience in a polished casual setting that invites new and repeat customers to turn moments into memories. Melting Pot has nearly 90 restaurants in 30 states, with four new locations expected to open over the next year. For more information, go to www.meltingpot.com.
