Restaurant franchise sets sights on global expansion

TAMPA — The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. announced plans to expand into China, with at least five restaurants in Hong Kong and Kowloon, along with additional restaurants in other mainland cities.

The fondue franchise, ranked the top casual-dining restaurant chain in Nation's Restaurant News' 2015 Consumer Picks report, also targets further expansion in Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico and South Korea, according to a release.

Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot restaurants feature heated fondue pots at the center of every table. The chain currently has more than 125 restaurants and at least 15 locations in development internationally.