How Much Does a Melting Pot® Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$1.6M – $2.7M
Franchise Fee
$45K
Royalty
5.0%
Ad Fund
2.2%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Melting Pot® is $45K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Melting Pot® franchise requires a total investment of $1.6M – $2.7M. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $65K to $125K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Melting Pot® franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 5.0% of gross sales (percentage of gross revenues). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 2.2% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $20K.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Melting Pot® requires working capital of $65K – $125K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to Melting Pot®'s Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $1.9M
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View Melting Pot®?
SBA Loans Issued
75
Default Rate
29.3%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Melting Pot® has 75 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 29.3%, which is near the franchise industry average. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
Talk to current Melting Pot® franchise owners
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