Business Description

The largest fondue-based restaurant system in the world. Franchise provides numerous areas of expertise and assistance to new and established owners. Large percentage of existing owners become multi-unit operators. A unique dining format that is often referred to as a "fun and gotta be experienced" event. Go to write-up for more information.

Franchisor Background

Year Established:  1975

Franchising Since:  1984

Operating Units:
Franchised Units:	135	96.4%
Company-Owned Units:	5	3.6%
Total Operating Units:	140	100.0%
Geographic Distribution: U.S.: 140 100% In 34 States Canada: 0 0% In 0 Canadian Provinces International: 0 0% In 0 Foreign Countries   Total: 140 100.0%

North America:
States/Provinces with the largest number of operating units:

Density	Units
1. California	13
2. Florida	23
3. Texas	7

Registered in Following Registration States: California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

Financial Requirements

Investment:
Minimum Net Worth:	$700K
Cash Investment:	$250K-300K
Total Investment:	$877K-1.54MM
Average Total Investment:	$1210K
Fees:
Initial Franchise Fee:	$35K
Average Franchise Fee:	$35K
On-Going Royalty:	4.5%
Average Royalty:	4%
Advertising Fee:	.5%

Average Number of Employees: 55 Full-time, 0 Part-time

Space Needs (in square footage): 4,000-6,000

Preferred Sites: Free-standing Building, Strip Center

Other Sites: Lifestyle Center, Mall Locations, Basements Sites

Encourage Conversions? Yes

Earnings Claims Provided?: Yes

Franchisee Qualifications
Ranked from 1 (unimportant) to 5 (important):
Financial Net Worth:	5
General Business Experience:	5
Specific Industry Experience:	2
Formal Education:	2
Psychological Profile:	4
Personal Interview(s):	5
Terms of Contract
Term of Initial Contract:	10 Year(s)
Term of Renewal Period:	10 Year(s)
Passive Ownership:	Not Allowed
Area Development Agreements?	Yes, for 0 Year(s)
Sub-Franchising Contracts?	No
Franchisees Allowed to Expand Within Territory?	Yes
Support and Training
International Franchise Association:	Yes
Canadian Franchise Association:	Yes
Franchisee Association/Member:	No
Size of Corporate Staff:	55
Site Selection Assistance?	Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance?	Yes
Financial Assistance?	Yes, Indirect
Marketing Support:
Co-Op Advertising:	Yes
National Advertising:	Yes
Regional Advertising:	Yes
Local Advertising:	Yes
Marketing Materials:	None Specified
Additional Services:	None Specified
Other Marketing Support:	None Specified
On-Going Support:
Central Data Processing:	Included in Fees
Central Purchasing:	At Additional Cost
Field Operation Evaluation:	Included in Fees
Field Training:	Included in Fees
Initial Store Opening:	Included in Fees
Inventory Control:	Included in Fees
Franchisee Newsletter:	Included in Fees
Regional or National Meetings:	At Additional Cost
800 Telephone Hotline:	Included in Fees
Training:
1. Tampa, FL	6-10 Weeks
Expansion Plans
Projected New Units Over Next 12 months: 12 U.S.: Yes, All US Except MT,WY, WV Canada: Yes Overseas: Yes, Asia, Mexico, Middle East, Europe	Request Franchisor Info   Submit an online form to receive information from Melting Pot Restaurants, The.