Melting Pot® vs Mellow Mushroom
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Melting Pot® and Mellow Mushroom are full-service restaurants franchises. Melting Pot® requires an investment of $1.6M – $2.7M while Mellow Mushroom requires $1.3M – $2.9M. In terms of revenue, Mellow Mushroom reports higher average unit revenue at $2.7M. On SBA loan performance, Mellow Mushroom has a lower charge-off rate (15.0%) compared to Melting Pot® (29.3%). FranchiseVerdict rates Melting Pot® C (Average) and Mellow Mushroom B (Above average).
| Metric | Melting Pot® | Mellow Mushroom |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | CAverageAverage | BAbove averageAbove average |
| Investment Range | $1.6M – $2.7M | $1.3M – $2.9M |
| Franchise Fee | $45K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $2.2M | $2.7M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 29.3% (75 loans) | 15.0% (142 loans) |
| Total Units | 89 | 161 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | -2 units | -5 units |
| Year Began Franchising | 1984 | 1987 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$1.6M – $2.7M
$1.3M – $2.9M
Franchise Fee
$45K
$50K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$2.2M
$2.7M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
29.3% (75 loans)
15.0% (142 loans)
Total Units
89
161
Unit Growth (YoY)
-2 units
-5 units
Year Began Franchising
1984
1987
FDD Year
2025
2026