The Melting Pot, the Tampa, Florida-based fondue restaurant chain, is planning to open one or two restaurants in Vancouver by early 2027, according to BCBusiness, the western business publication. The openings are reported to be part of its plan for five new restaurants in Canada over the next four years. Earlier in February, we reported that the full-service chain had identified Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa as core hubs for expansion and was looking to partner with qualified entrepreneurs familiar with the hospitality landscape in Canada to open new restaurants by 2030. Over 50 years in operation, Melting Pot is a chain of over 95 full-service fondue restaurants in about 30 states and one in Edmonton that has been in operation for over 15 years. Menting Pot’s Franchise Growth Strategist Collin Benyo explained earlier that as the chain grows in Canada, it seeks partners with strong roots in the Canadian market and will leverage shared expertise to navigate the nuances of labor and supply chain requirements, maintaining a model that protects franchisees’ margins and respects guests’ expectations from day one rather than retrofitting a U.S. strategy after doors open. The Melting Pot restaurants are generally in the 4000 to 5500 square foot range, often in open suburban centres. Later this week, Melting Pot officially opens its latest interactive dining experience at the Watters Creek Village lifestyle centre in Allen, Texas. The 5220 square foot end cap location next to DSW is the chain’s seventh location in Texas.
The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc., 7886 Woodland Center Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33614 (813/881-0055 www.meltingpot.com)