The Melting Pot Eyes Calgary for Canadian Expansion

The Melting Pot, the U.S. fondue institution that's been melting cheese and chocolate since 1975, is seriously looking at Calgary for its next Canadian outpost.

With more than 90 locations across the States, the Florida-born chain has only ever had one Canadian presence: a location in Edmonton that's been there over a decade. Now, founder-backed expansion plans have shifted north—and Calgary is squarely in their sights.

"We sell cheese fondue in Orlando, Florida so why we couldn't do it in a beautiful country like Canada, which probably aligns with that culinary style a little bit more," Collin Benyo, The Melting Pot's franchise growth strategist, told Dished. "It just makes sense right now to make that move."

The appeal of Calgary is proximity to Edmonton—a proven market where The Melting Pot already has brand awareness. "Because of the proximity of Calgary to Edmonton, I think what we're going to find are people who are perhaps familiar with the brand," Benyo explained. "I think Calgary, for me, is a very strong market that, with the right strategic partner, we could find some very good success."

The Melting Pot's whole draw is customization: you pick your cheese or chocolate, choose your cooking method for the entrée, and build your own four-course fondue experience. It's social, interactive, and built for sharing—exactly the kind of dining that's been gaining traction as people seek experiences, not just meals.

No agreements are finalized yet, but the company is actively hunting for franchise partners. Watch this space.