Sept. 28--The Melting Pot location in Chicago has closed, according to a sign posted in the window of the fondue restaurant at 609 N. Dearborn St.
"While there are no plans to re-open the downtown Chicago location, we hope to return to the market in the future,'' the sign reads. Patrons are directed to The Melting Pot locations in Downers Grove, Schaumburg and Naperville or the company website for location details.
The downtown Chicago franchise location had been in operation since 2004, according to the posted notice, which ended with these words: "We sincerely appreciate your patronage for more than 10 years at this location."
Details of the closure are "confidential information within our franchise organization," wrote Natalie Turner, a Melting Pot spokeswoman, in an email.
"Chicago is now an open market for franchise candidates (seeking) to become a franchisee of The Melting Pot," she wrote in another email. "The timing of a replacement location in the market is driven on securing a franchisee, and securing a site. Typically, it takes between 12-18 months to open a Melting Pot once a franchise agreement is signed."
Turner wrote that interested candidates can check the company's website for franchising details. Three webinars focusing on franchising are also scheduled in the coming months, she added.
The Melting Pot, an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, was founded in 1975, according to the company website, and has more than 125 restaurants in the U.S., Canada and other locations around the world.
[NOTE: This story has been updated from its original version to include Turner's comment.]
bdaley@tribpub.com
Twitter @billdaley
