The Melting Pot Announces Second "Path to Grow" Franchise Agreement in Destin, Florida

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Melting Pot® Restaurants, Inc., the world's premier fondue restaurant and a leading polished casual dining franchise, announced today it has signed its second franchise agreement funded by its "Path to Grow" financing program (PGP), granting ownership of the Destin, Florida Melting Pot to Lucinda Hollis, who is currently an area manager of the brand's Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina locations. Hollis' fiancé, Auburn Bridge, will be joining her as co-owner. PGP gave the couple the financing needed to purchase the existing restaurant located at 11394 US Highway 98, which has been serving the Destin community since November 2007. 

"The signing of our second PGP franchise agreement is a true testament to the success of our unique financing program," said Dan Stone, chief business & people development officer at Front Burner. "We're thrilled to see some of our most valued managers, such as Lucinda, take advantage of the program, and we're confident both her and Auburn will bring their in-depth industry knowledge to their restaurant in Destin. Their passion and enthusiasm is unmatched, and we look forward to watching them succeed as franchisees."

Hollis first joined The Melting Pot team in 2005 as a server at the restaurant in Columbia. Under the management of Jay Kilmartin, multi-unit franchisee of The Melting Pot's Greenville and Columbia locations, Hollis made her way up the ranks and held several positions including assistant manager, general manager and was most recently promoted to area manager of Kilmartin's restaurants in South Carolina. With more than 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Bridge will be joining Hollis as co-owner of the Destin Melting Pot. Together, they plan on leveraging their combined experience and Hollis' passion for the brand to bring a new level of success to their restaurant.

"It's always been a dream of ours to own a restaurant, and we are beyond excited to start our journey as franchisees in beautiful Destin," said Hollis. "The 'Path to Grow' program has given us an incredible opportunity to live our dream working with a brand that represents exceptional hospitality, family and belonging, and integrity. Once we gain experience as business owners, we hope to take over additional Melting Pot restaurants in the future."

The PGP financing program takes the financial burden off operators who are approved to become franchisees of The Melting Pot by enabling them to invest as little as 5 percent liquidity into the purchase of an approved, existing restaurant. The franchisor provides up to 95% of the financing in the form of a loan to the franchise partner to allow them to acquire the location. The loan is typically serviced by the new franchisee over the course of four years. PGP financing is available for the purchase of select existing The Melting Pot franchises. Operators and managers with experience in casual dining or fine dining may qualify and apply for PGP financing – experience with The Melting Pot brand is not required.

To catapult the brand's expansion efforts nationwide, the concept will be hosting a complimentary informational franchise webinar on Tuesday, January 24 at 11 a.m. (EST) to educate qualified candidates. To register for the upcoming webinar, please visit http://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/upcomingEvents.aspx.

The Melting Pot operates more than 125 restaurants across 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.. The concept is known for offering an assortment of flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées served with signature dipping sauces. The menu features a variety of à la carte selections, highlighting customizable options that invite guests to enjoy one, two, three or more courses as they select any combination of individually-priced cheese fondues, salads, entrées and chocolate fondues. 

To learn more about ownership opportunities with The Melting Pot or to apply for PGP financing, contact Christina Hobbs, director of franchise development for The Melting Pot, at [email protected], or call 800-783-0867 ext. 109.

About The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. 
Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot has offered a unique fondue dining experience for more than 40 years. As the premier fondue restaurant franchise, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. has more than 125 restaurants in 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. A leading polished casual dining franchise, The Melting Pot was recognized as the No. 2 casual dining restaurant in the Nation's Restaurant News 2016 Consumer Picks report. Known for offering a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées, The Melting Pot's menu also features cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts. Fondue fans can join The Melting Pot's Club Fondue for exclusive promotions, special events and advance holiday reservation privileges. The Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with The Melting Pot, please visit www.meltingpotfranchise.com.

About Front Burner
Front Burner is a franchise management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1975 with 126 restaurants in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.

Contact:
Ellie Mannix
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
[email protected]  

SOURCE The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.

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