Melting Pot opens new markets

TAMPA — The Melting Pot fondue restaurant franchise has moved into new markets in Asia and the Middle East, according to a statement from the company. The newest deal for the Tampa-based company brings its fondue restaurants to Indonesia.

The company signed a five-unit franchise development agreement with P.T. Jaya Internusa Abadi says Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands, the restaurant management company for the franchise, in a statement. “We're confident that Indonesian guests will embrace The Melting Pot and its interactive fondue dining experience.”

It's the second recent international deal for the franchise. The Melting Pot has signed the largest franchise deal in the company's history to bring 12 restaurants to eight countries in the Middle East, through an agreement with Hospitality Concepts and Solutions.

The first Melting Pot location in the Middle East will open in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in early 2013. The company has signed a five-restaurant franchise deal for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Dr. Mazen Almugbel of Albabteen United Foods Co. LLC and Mira Foods.

“We've received tremendous interest in our brand worldwide,” says Stone, in the release.

In addition to franchise development in Asia and the Middle East, The Melting Pot is continuing international expansion in Canada and Mexico. It opened its second location in Canada in Richmond Hill, Ontario and its third location in Mexico City this year.

In all, the company has more than 30 international locations that are open, signed or committed for development. It has more than 140 restaurants in North America. Front Burner Brands is headquartered in Tampa.