The Melting Pot signed a franchise agreement to develop its first restaurant in Little Rock, marking the brand's entry into Arkansas.

Currently, The Melting Pot has more than 130 restaurants across 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, and Southeast Asia, and more than 20 locations in development internationally.

"We're excited to further expand our national presence with the signing of our first franchise agreement in Arkansas," says Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands.

Allen Hurst plans to develop The Melting Pot's first Arkansas location in Little Rock, which is slated to open by early 2016. Hurst will relocate his family from Denver to the Little Rock area, where he aims to develop additional restaurants in Arkansas and neighboring states over the next five years.