How to Put Your Franchise’s Growth on the Front Burner

The Melting Pot fondue restaurants are an experiential concept
that’s “as much about what’s going on around that fondue pot as
it is what’s going on inside the fondue pot,” according to Bob
Johnston, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Front Burner.
Johnston joined host Barbara Castiglia to discuss the story of
The Melting Pot, where Front Burner is headed in the future, and
what larger industry trends are on the horizon.


Johnston began his journey with The Melting Pot as a dishwasher
and has stayed connected to the brand since. After starting in
the “heart of the house,” Johnston moved into customer service
and was inspired by the joy restaurants brought to their guests.
His older brothers were among the first franchisees for The
Melting Pot and their love for the brand and concept led to them
buying the company and using franchising to expand into other
markets.


Franchising brings quality control questions to the business and
that means having the right partner. Johnston looks for partners
that aren’t risk-averse but are also sensible enough to use the
systems already in place. Franchisees need to be committed to
maintaining quality control, but perhaps most importantly they
need to have a passion for the smiles they bring to guests.
Johnston's commitment to creating a unique experience for guests
is an essential part of the success of The Melting Pot.