American casual dining franchise The Melting Pot has announced its intention to expand its presence into Wichita, Kansas.
The company is considering Old Town and Southwest Wichita for two new locations.
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Collin Benyo, franchise growth strategist for The Melting Pot Restaurants, will be visiting Wichita to assess the market and engage with potential owners.
He stated that a Wichita restaurant may be operational by mid-2025 if the franchisor finds the ideal partner.
Benyo said: “We’re working to have 125 locations nationwide by 2026 to address an explosion in demand for Melting Pot, and Wichita is a prime example of how loyal guests are to the brand and experience
“We’ve mapped guests that have driven as far as Oklahoma City and Kansas City, Missouri from Wichita to have fondue. The opportunity to bring the city its first Melting Pot is a huge success plan in our eyes.”
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By GlobalDataThe development comes on the heels of a robust 2023 for the company, which saw more than 20% of its restaurants reopen after extensive remodelling efforts.
The brand continues to support growth within its system and is on track to celebrate 37 remodelled reopenings in 2024.
Melting Pot, which currently operates 92 units, added that is actively seeking the right franchise partners to drive this expansion.
Beyond Wichita, The Melting Pot is targeting expansion in states including Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina and Texas.
The Melting Pot CEO Bob Johnston said: “It is the mission of the brand to provide guests with their perfect night out, whatever that looks like — especially today with what’s gone on in the world over the last few years.
“Guests choose us over other options because we carefully craft an environment that encourages gathering with people they care about and spending quality time with them.
“The Melting Pot provides the perfect environment for that. What happens in a Melting Pot is as much about what’s going on around that fondue pot as what’s in that pot.”
