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The Melting Pot, a chain of fondue restaurants based in Tampa, Florida, is eyeing Charleston for a 2025 restaurant opening.
“We have not actually secured Charleston–but it is at the top of our expansion list,” says Collin Benyo, Franchise Growth Strategist at The Melting Pot Restaurants. “We are looking for a franchisee to bring us to Charleston who will represent. We are hoping to get to Charleston next year.”
Benyo and his team will be meeting with Charleston’s Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development team to discuss getting boots on the ground for the best location. Benyo notes that possible locales include downtown Charleston, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant–or possibly Summerville or Woodbridge.
“Charleston is a great southern American city, filled with history. A lot of people vacation there,” says Benyo. “We are looking to serve not only locals, but also vacationers who bring commerce to the area.”
A Charleston location would bring The Melting Pot its fourth restaurant in South Carolina–there are currently restaurants in Greenville, Columbia and Myrtle Beach.
Benyo notes that the future Charleston frachisee does not need to have restaurant experience.
“The last 4 groups of people we’ve signed did not have a hospitality background. We are looking for enthusiastic, driven entrepreneurs that match the core values of our company,” he says.
The Melting Pot will celebrate its Golden Anniversary in 2025–the first restaurant opened in 1975. There are currently more than 95 locations across the United States and Canada.
“We went to be in Charleston .It shows great potential,” adds Benyo. “We are excited to get in and expand more.”
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