The Melting Pot, the national fondue chain known for its table-side cheese and chocolate spreads, is quietly working on a Memphis comeback. New franchisees have signed on and are now touring potential sites across the city, hunting for mid-sized restaurant spaces in the 5,000-7,000-square-foot range. If the dealmaking comes together, Memphis could soon get a splashy, group-friendly option back in the mix.
According to the Memphis Business Journal, the franchisees told reporter Susan Ellis they are eyeing locations in “all areas of the city” and have zeroed in on that 5,000-7,000-square-foot target. The Jan. 26 story notes that the group is on active site tours rather than inked leases, and no opening timeline has been set.
Where They Are Looking And What They Want
Industry coverage pegs the brand’s typical prototype at roughly 3,500-5,500 square feet, so the Memphis search range fits the usual footprint, per FESmag. The company’s own franchise materials show a broader national growth push in recent months, with Memphis positioned as one more stop on that expansion track, according to Melting Pot Franchise.
Why Memphis?
Brand executives have connected the current push to a 50th-anniversary franchise incentive that temporarily slashes initial fees for new agreements, a move designed to speed development in priority markets, per PRWeb. The company has also leaned on a pitch that highlights community partnerships and charitable outreach when rolling into new cities, elements the operator frames as a perk for local partners in its own materials, according to Melting Pot.
Local Buzz And Next Steps
Local boosters are already in the mix. Economic development groups and the Greater Memphis Chamber hosted a Melting Pot discovery day in June 2025, giving prospective operators face time with business and community leaders, according to Downtown Memphis. Area landlords and retail brokers are expected to keep a close eye on shopping center and end-cap listings in that 5,000-7,000-square-foot sweet spot, with the first public clues likely to show up as a lease filing or a permit application…