American Fondue Turns 30; The Melting Pot Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Gives Away Trip to Birthplace of Fondue.

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. turned 30 years old and is celebrating with its loyal fondue fans by giving away a trip to the birthplace of fondue. This September, patrons of The Melting Pot's 93 restaurants across the country may register to win the grand prize of a seven day/six night trip for two to Switzerland - the home of fondue. Five first prize winners will receive a trip for two to the VIP opening party at The Melting Pot's 100th restaurant, date and location to be determined.

"It's our chance to say 'thank you' to all of our loyal patrons who have dined with us - and celebrated with us - for so many years," said Robert Johnston, president and COO of The Melting Pot. "We wanted to do something special to honor our history and to help welcome our 100th location, which will open by year's end."

During the later part of 2005, The Melting Pot will open its 100th restaurant. Currently, there are 93 of the upscale-casual fondue restaurants across 33 states and more than 30 locations under development.

The first Melting Pot opened in Maitland, Fla., just outside of Orlando, in 1975 and remains open and active at its original address on East Horatio Avenue. Initial franchising efforts began in 1984 when brothers Mike, Mark and Bob Johnston purchased all rights to The Melting Pot brand and established The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. franchise company.

The Melting Pot's early menu consisted of just three items: Swiss cheese fondue, beef fondue and a chocolate fondue dessert. Today, guests can enjoy a wide variety of creamy cheeses and signature entrees including duck, blackened chicken breast, lobster, filet mignon, shrimp and more. The current menu also offers nine decadent chocolate fondue desserts.

"Fondue is fun and fashionable - and for three decades, The Melting Pot has defined the niche across the American dining scene," said Kendra Sartor, national director of marketing for The Melting Pot. "Our guests continue to celebrate with us, and we're excited about continuing to introduce The Melting Pot concept to a new generation of fondue fans."

At The Melting Pot, guests discover all of the ingredients for a unique dining experience including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners - and the evening can be as fun or as formal as their occasion demands.

About The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc.

With more than 90 restaurants nationwide and over 30 locations currently in development, The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. is the country's premier fondue restaurant franchise. At The Melting Pot, fondue becomes a memorable four-course dining experience where patrons can dip into something different. Guests enjoy a choice of four flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees combined with special dipping sauces. The menu also includes creamy cheese fondues, lively salads, fine wines and mouthwatering chocolate fondue desserts. Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot's corporate headquarters are in Tampa, Fla. For more information visit http://www.meltingpot.com or email [e-mail].