Front Burner Brands Inc., restaurant management company for The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc., announced the promotion of Dan Stone to chief business and people development officer. In this newly created position, Stone will be responsible for the organization’s business matters related to the areas of human resources, learning and development, legal, franchise development, and various aspects of strategic planning.
“It is with great pleasure that we recognize Dan Stone’s exceptional leadership in the growth and development of The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc., and Front Burner Brands,” says Bob Johnston, CEO of Front Burner Brands. “Dan will continue to drive our company’s internal and external growth through his vast experience in franchise development, as well as his background in human resources in the hospitality industry.”
Last year, Dan Stone was named one of Business Observer’s “40 Under 40.” Prior to his promotion, Stone served as the vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands, where he spearheaded the domestic and international development of The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc., while supporting the development of franchisees and their businesses.
The Melting Pot was recently ranked No. 1 among 40 casual dining restaurant chains in Nation's Restaurant News’ 2015 Consumer Picks report, up from No. 6 out of 38 concepts last year. The brand ranked first in four-out-of-10 overall attribute categories, achieving top scores in cleanliness, service, atmosphere, and craveability.
The Melting Pot operates more than 130 restaurants across 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, and Southeast Asia, and has more than 20 locations in development internationally. The concept is known for offering an assortment of flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées served with signature dipping sauces. The menu features a variety of à la carte selections, highlighting customizable options that invite guests to enjoy one, two, three, or more courses as they select any combination of individually-priced cheese fondues, salads, entrées, and chocolate fondues.
The Melting Pot is seeking entrepreneurs with business backgrounds and/or preferably restaurant experience who are passionate about the brand and want to be their own bosses. Franchisee candidates should have a credit score of 650 or higher, a minimum net worth of $750,000, and liquid assets of at least $325,000 per unit. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment for one restaurant to be approximately $959,000 to $1,436,000. Single-unit and multi-unit franchise opportunities are available with an initial franchise fee of $45,000 per unit. As the brand celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2015, a 40 percent discount will be offered on the initial franchise fee for the first restaurant for all new franchise agreements signed in 2015.
