The Melting Pot Restaurants, one of the world’s premier fondue restaurant franchise, has announced plans to bring its unique dining experience to eight countries in the Middle East through a franchise deal with Hospitality Concepts and Solutions (HCS).

An affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company based in Florida, The Melting Pot, said the 12-unit franchise deal with HCS was the largest in the company's history.

As per the agreement, HCS will be opening 12 Melting Pot outlets in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt over the next eight years.

The US dining group is already in the process of opening its first Middle East outlet at Riyadh on Thalia Street early next year through a five-unit franchise deal for Saudi Arabia signed in late 2011 with Dr Mazen Almugbel of Albabteen United Foods Company and Mira Foods.

HCS is actively pursuing sites for its first Melting Pot outlet which is likely to open next year in Dubai or Beirut, said a top official.

“There is nothing like The Melting Pot in the Middle East and my team and I are excited to bring this unique fondue dining experience to the region,” said HCS co-managing partner Ziad Kaddoura.

“With the backing of The Melting Pot’s strong franchise support team in Tampa, we look forward to great success with the concept in the Middle East,” he remarked.

HCS co-managing partner Mohamed Kamal Charafeddine said, “With the ever-growing international clientele in this region, we are confident that The Melting Pot will carve its own niche in this competitive market.”

“The welcoming atmosphere and interactive dining experience combined with an extensive menu of fondue choices including cheese, entrée and chocolate fondues will surely attract local families, expatriates and those looking for a fresh, new dining experience,” he added.

“We’ve received tremendous interest in our brand worldwide because it’s a unique and interactive concept,” said

Commenting on the Mideast foray, Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands said, “The Melting Pot experience transcends cultural differences and is especially attractive to cultures that place great value on spending time with family and friends around a table of food.”

In addition to franchise development in the Middle East, The Melting Pot is continuing global expansion in Canada and Mexico having opened its second location in Canada in Richmond Hill, Ontario and its third location in Mexico City this year.

The company is also looking at Australia, China, India, Brazil and other provinces in Canada for further expansion opportunities.-TradeArabia News Service