The Melting Pot® Restaurants, Inc., the world’s premier fondue restaurant and a leading polished casual dining franchise, announced today its first restaurant outside of North America has opened in Jakarta, Indonesia. The latest opening comes on the heels of the company announcing its plans for continued international expansion. The Melting Pot is on track to open its first restaurants in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia later this year, as well as its fourth location in Mexico City, Mexico.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of the first Melting Pot restaurant beyond North America,” said Mike Lester, president of The Melting Pot. “The new Jakarta restaurant demonstrates how The Melting Pot’s interactive dining experience translates well across cultures that value spending quality time with family and friends over meals. We are confident that the concept will continue to grow overseas and look forward to introducing our unique dining experience and delicious fondue styles to Jakarta residents.”

The Jakarta restaurant is one of five restaurants to be built in Indonesia by Ramon Liando, a native Indonesian with 15 years of foodservice experience. The second restaurant is also slated to open in Jakarta by 2016.

“I am proud to be the first franchisee to bring The Melting Pot to Asia,” said Liando. “I strongly value the brand’s commitment to delivering a superior guest experience and look forward to expanding its presence throughout Indonesia.”

As part of its international development, The Melting Pot is focusing its expansion efforts in target markets such as Hong Kong and cities throughout Brazil, Canada, India, Japan and South Korea. Domestically, the company is seeking new franchisees in markets, including Anchorage, Alaska; Dallas; Hartford, Conn.; and Los Angeles, Memphis and Chattanooga, Tenn.

The Melting Pot operates more than 130 restaurants in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and now 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.

About The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.
With more than 130 restaurants across 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Southeast Asia and more than 20 locations currently in development internationally, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. is the premier fondue restaurant franchise and a leading polished casual dining franchise. Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot has offered a memorable dining experience for 40 years. Guests enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées combined with dipping sauces. The menu also includes cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts. The Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla.

About Front Burner Brands
Front Burner Brands is a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1975 with more than 130 restaurants in North America and Southeast Asia and more than 20 locations currently in development and GrillSmith with five locations in the Tampa Bay area.

The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.