The Melting Pot Restaurants announced plans to expand the brand's presence in the Des Moines market, naming the city as a target for future franchise development. This would bring the first Melting Pot restaurant to the state of Iowa.

"One of the things that attracted us to Des Moines is its fast-growing restaurant scene," says Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands. "Given the unique nature of The Melting Pot concept, we have plans to open only one restaurant in the Des Moines market, making this is a very limited opportunity."

The Melting Pot operates 135 restaurants in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and has more than 25 locations in development internationally.