The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., the world’s premier fondue restaurant and a leading polished casual dining franchise, announced it has signed its first “Path to Grow” program (PGP) franchise agreement, granting ownership of the Spokane, Washington Melting Pot to Hollis and Kim Silva, who are currently managers of the restaurant. PGP gave the Silvas the financing needed to purchase the existing restaurant located at 707 West Main Avenue, which has been serving the Spokane community since March 2008.
“This is a tremendous milestone for us, as we officially ignite our Path to Grow financing program with two of The Melting Pot’s most dynamic and deserving managers,” says Dan Stone, chief business and people development officer at Front Burner. “We’re thrilled to grant this opportunity to Hollis and Kim, as Kim has been part of The Melting Pot family for nearly a decade. We take pride in knowing that our PGP financing program allowed them to achieve their dream of franchise ownership. Their enthusiasm and passion for the brand is palpable, and we look forward to watching the Silvas flourish in their new venture.”
Kim Silva first joined The Melting Pot team in 2008 as a server and bartender at the restaurant in Spokane. With polished skills and a personality to match, Kim made her way up the ranks and was promoted to general manager in 2013. Hollis joined her on the management team last year. Now as franchisees, they plan to leverage their experience and in-depth knowledge of the brand to propel their restaurant into another decade of success.
“The Melting Pot has been like a second home to us since we first stepped foot in the door almost 10 years ago, and our belief in the brand has only gotten stronger,” says Kim. “We’re so thankful for The Melting Pot’s Path to Grow program, which made it possible for Hollis and I to move forward with this new venture. We are filled with optimism as we begin our journey, and are committed to providing unparalleled service to the residents of Spokane.”
The PGP financing program takes the financial burden off operators who are approved to become franchisees of The Melting Pot by enabling them to invest as little as 5 percent liquidity into the purchase of an approved, existing restaurant. The franchisor provides up to 95 percent of the financing in the form of a loan to the franchise partner to allow them to acquire the location. The loan is typically serviced by the new franchisee over the course of four years. PGP financing is available for the purchase of select existing The Melting Pot franchises. Operators and managers with experience in casual dining or fine dining may qualify and apply for PGP financing—experience with The Melting Pot brand is not required.
To catapult the brand’s expansion efforts nationwide, the concept will be hosting a complimentary informational franchise webinar on October 13 at 11 a.m. to educate qualified candidates.
The Melting Pot operates more than 125 restaurants across 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, and has over 10 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.
