The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc, announced it has signed its second franchise agreement funded by its “Path to Grow” financing program (PGP), granting ownership of the Destin, Florida Melting Pot to Lucinda Hollis, who is currently an area manager of the brand’s Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina locations. Hollis’ fiancé, Auburn Bridge, will be joining her as co-owner. PGP gave the couple the financing needed to purchase the existing restaurant located at 11394 US Highway 98, which has been serving the Destin community since November 2007.
“The signing of our second PGP franchise agreement is a true testament to the success of our unique financing program,” says Dan Stone, chief business & people development officer at Front Burner. “We’re thrilled to see some of our most valued managers, such as Lucinda, take advantage of the program, and we’re confident both her and Auburn will bring their in-depth industry knowledge to their restaurant in Destin. Their passion and enthusiasm is unmatched, and we look forward to watching them succeed as franchisees.”
Hollis first joined The Melting Pot team in 2005 as a server at the restaurant in Columbia. Under the management of Jay Kilmartin, multi-unit franchisee of The Melting Pot’s Greenville and Columbia locations, Hollis made her way up the ranks and held several positions including assistant manager, general manager and was most recently promoted to area manager of Kilmartin’s restaurants in South Carolina. With more than 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Bridge will be joining Hollis as co-owner of the Destin Melting Pot. Together, they plan on leveraging their combined experience and Hollis’ passion for the brand to bring a new level of success to their restaurant.
“It’s always been a dream of ours to own a restaurant, and we are beyond excited to start our journey as franchisees in beautiful Destin,” says Hollis. “The ‘Path to Grow’ program has given us an incredible opportunity to live our dream working with a brand that represents exceptional hospitality, family and belonging, and integrity. Once we gain experience as business owners, we hope to take over additional Melting Pot restaurants in the future.”
The PGP financing program takes the financial burden off operators who are approved to become franchisees of The Melting Pot by enabling them to invest as little as 5 percent liquidity into the purchase of an approved, existing restaurant. The franchisor provides up to 95 percent of the financing in the form of a loan to the franchise partner to allow them to acquire the location. The loan is typically serviced by the new franchisee over the course of four years. PGP financing is available for the purchase of select existing The Melting Pot franchises. Operators and managers with experience in casual dining or fine dining may qualify and apply for PGP financing—experience with The Melting Pot brand is not required.
