El Paso's only fondue restaurant served its last cheese and chocolate course on Monday. The Melting Pot closed its doors for good, ending a run that began nearly a decade ago when the chain first set up shop in the city.
The chain decided not to renew or extend its agreements with its landlord and franchisor, according to KTSM 9 News. The El Paso location had operated under a 10-year agreement with those parties, and the station reports it was widely considered the city's only fondue restaurant. In a statement, The Melting Pot said serving the El Paso community had been an honor and thanked its employees, guests and supporters.
The station reports that customers holding gift cards can still redeem them, just not locally — the closest remaining Melting Pot locations are in Albuquerque and Phoenix, Arizona. Anyone craving a four-course fondue night will now need to cross state lines to get it.
A Nearly Decade-Long Run That Started With Big Plans
El Paso's Melting Pot traces back to May 2017, when the chain announced a franchise agreement to develop its first restaurant in the city, according to a release distributed via PR Newswire. That franchise was formed by Arturo G. Alluin, Ruth Ojeda and Arturo R. Alluin through an entity called Apex Franchise Management, LLC. At the time, the restaurant was slated to open in 2018, and the announcement touted The Melting Pot's reach as a chain, which then operated more than 120 restaurants across 35 U.S. states along with locations in Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Where Fondue Fans Can Still Go
For those willing to travel, the Albuquerque location remains open in ABQ Uptown near the Regal IMAX Theater, according to The Melting Pot's own site, which describes the full four-course dining experience along with cheese and chocolate fondue options available to go. It's the nearest option now that El Paso's location has shuttered, alongside the Phoenix restaurant.
Another Closure Fresh in El Paso Shoppers' Minds
The fondue chain's exit lands just weeks after another local business called it quits. MUTTS Canine Social Club, a West El Paso venue built around drinks and doggie hangouts, closed on Sept. 13. Owner Mendoza pointed to a mix of factors behind that decision, saying, “Between the economy, the challenges of our location and access, and the realities of operating the business,” the club would not be reopening, per the same KTSM report. Mendoza added she's exploring ways to keep an associated venture, Double Dog Dare Bakery & Boutique, alive through pop-ups, events and collaborations with other pet-focused businesses. MUTTS had opened in 2024 at 460 Vin Rambla near Topgolf.
