News

Melt Shop signs 1st domestic franchise agreement

November 16, 2017

Melt Shop has signed its first domestic franchise agreement with 717 Food Group to open a unit next year inside Staten Island Mall, in Staten Island, New York.

Founded by Spencer Rubin in 2011, Melt Shop has eight corporate locations throughout New York, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis and recently signed a multi-unit deal to open seven restaurants in the Middle East. Four of those will open by the second quarter of 2018, according to a company press release.

The brand plans to grow to 100 locations over the next five years.
 
"We're thrilled that just weeks after the announcement of our franchise program launch, we've signed our first franchisee — and in our own backyard,” Rubin said in the release. "717 Food Group's passion and excitement for Melt Shop combined with their hospitality and operations experience and achievements makes them the perfect partner."
 
717 Food Group is led by Roxanne Mallilo, with her brother Michael Manniello acting as her partner. The brother-and-sister duo has more than 40 years of combined experience in hospitality and restaurants, with a prominent presence in airports.

"When my brother approached me about opening Melt Shop's first franchised restaurant, I jumped at the opportunity," said Roxanne Mallilo, chief executive officer of 717 Food Group. "Aside from its phenomenal product, we were blown away by Melt Shop's business model, operational excellence, and the unparalleled support we received from its dedicated and passionate team. We're thrilled to stand behind an emerging concept and continue to grow with the brand."
 
Melt Shop is seeking qualified franchisees to join the brand and has opportunities domestically in markets such as the Northeast, Midwest, and Florida and in most international markets, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, China, India, Mexico, South America, Canada, Western Europe and Australia.

Rubin said it is poised for excellent ROI with an estimated initial investment range of $368,240 – $698,800 for the first location, including a franchise fee of $35,000 and a sales range of $1,016,984 - $1,640. The chain is seeking well-capitalized partners who are entrepreneurial and have a strong knowledge of their market. The ideal franchisee is a proven multi-unit operator in the restaurant industry.