Melting Pot restaurant celebrates St. Pete ‘homecoming’

Local fondue aficionados can rejoice as a new Melting Pot restaurant has opened in downtown St. Petersburg, following a five-year absence from the city. 

The Tampa-based chain closed its previous St. Pete location in March 2020. Housed in a former museum built to resemble an English cottage, the Melting Pot was at 2221 4th St. N. for 32 years.

Corporate officials announced Monday that a new Melting Pot, known for its interactive fondue dining experience, has opened at 699 Central Avenue in time for the brand’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Matt Zurcher, national director of operations, described the space as a “vibrant and modern take” on a classic concept that reflects the “spirit of downtown St. Pete.”

“For the Melting Pot, a Tampa-based brand, returning to St. Petersburg after a five-year hiatus is more than just opening a new restaurant – it’s a homecoming,” Zurcher told the Catalyst. “It’s a full circle moment.”

The new location will feature an indoor-outdoor bar with scissor-style garage doors.

The new location offers locally-inspired menu items, an indoor-outdoor bar with scissor-style doors and various seating options. Zurcher called it an elevated space, highlighting the brand’s evolution while still honoring its legacy and delivering the Melting Pot’s “signature charm.” 

Grand opening festivities are underway, starting with a social media contest. Local fans can win one of 11 $50 gift cards by following @TheMeltingpot_StPete, liking the associated post and tagging friends in the comments through April 10.

The restaurant will then host a cheese-eating competition April 16 at 3:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, the city’s arts support umbrella organization.

Contest participants include Emmy Award-winning Days of our Lives actress Camila Banus and local “social media influencer” Caiti Mackenzie. The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new building – directly across Central Avenue from the Chihuly Collection – at 4 p.m.

The dining room will feature local photography showcasing the city. Zurcher said the restaurant would mirror St. Petersburg’s “artistic energy.” 

“Embracing a local art focus allows the restaurant to reflect the spirit of the neighborhood and become part of the city’s artistic fabric,” he added. “Melting Pot isn’t just opening its doors, it’s inviting the community in.”

An eight-seat chef’s table provides a behind-the-scenes view into the kitchen. The restaurant also offers round six-top tables and “intimate Lover’s Lane” seating. 

The dining room will showcase local photography, and the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance is the restaurant’s official nonprofit partner.

The 4,900-square-foot space can seat 191 people and features natural materials like wood and marble.

The Melting Pot was founded in 1975 in Maitland, Florida. CEO Bob Johnston’s older brothers were among the first franchisees.

Johnston, then 21, moved to Tampa with his wife and opened his first Melting Pot in 1986. “We’re thrilled to return to St. Petersburg, especially as we celebrate 50 years of fondue and the opportunity to create more unforgettable memories,” he said in a prepared statement. 

“Melting Pot has been a part of this community for over 30 years, and guest demand made it clear – we needed to come back.” 

The Melting Pot now serves over three million customers annually from nearly 90 locations in 30 states. Officials expect to open four new locations over the next year.