The Melting Pot Restaurant Attempts to Break World’s Record for Largest Cheese Fondue

National Fondue Restaurant and Local Franchisee Team to Attempt World’s Record for Largest Cheese Fondue During the Fond du Lac Fondue Festival

APPLETON, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc., the nation’s largest fondue restaurant franchise and The Melting Pot of Appleton, the local franchise in Appleton, Wis. that is locally owned and operated by Jay and Heidi Supple, along with their partners John and Doreen Supple, today announced their cooperative attempt to set the world’s record for largest cheese fondue.

As sponsors of the World’s Largest Cheese Fondue, September 8, 2007 in Fond du Lac, Wis., The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. and The Melting Pot of Appleton plan to prepare a cheese fondue that will weigh more than 1,000 pounds and will be prepared in a massive fondue pot weighing more than 1,000 pounds.

The fondue set will be located in the heart of downtown Fond du Lac on Forest Avenue as an adjudicator from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on-site to document the attempt at breaking the existing record. During this year’s festival The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., The Melting Pot of Appleton, Roth Kase USA Ltd. and Brenner Tank will partner with the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership for the record-breaking attempt.

Planning for the world’s largest cheese fondue set began a year ago when a group of festival sponsors agreed to tackle the project together. Co-sponsor Brenner Tank, the largest manufacturer of stainless steel tanks in North America, agreed to design and manufacture the stainless steel, food-grade fondue pot. The massive fondue pot weighs more than 1,000 pounds, measures eight feet across and is capable of holding 2,500 pounds of melted cheese. For the event, Brenner Tank also created fondue forks measuring more than three feet in length.

Roth Käse USA Ltd., an award-winning specialty cheese producer located in Monroe, Wis., agreed to provide more than 1,000 pounds of cheese for the event, and The Melting Pot provided additional ingredients and the creative consultation of its national manager of culinary development, Chef Shane Schaibly.

“We’re pleased to participate with the Fond du Lac Fondue Festival this year and to work hand-in-hand with our dedicated partners,” said Jay Supple, owner of The Melting Pot of Appleton. “We expect a great crowd this year, and we know that our loyal patrons will support this cause with all their heart and come out to sample the world’s largest cheese fondue – and to donate to a worthy cause.”

The official fondue pot dipping will occur at 11 a.m. after the celebrity taster, yet to be announced, savors the first taste from the giant pot. Then the Fond du Lac Area Agricultural Ambassador Program, a one-of-a-kind agriculture education program, will sell the cheese from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a fundraiser for its program. Visitors can enjoy their cheese fondue with bread and pretzels while partaking in the rest of the free festival fun.

Throughout the day, the Fond du Lac Fondue Festival, sponsored by Marian College and Agnesian Healthcare, will feature many different attractions including free live music and entertainment, kids’ Fun-due zone with free activities, a bungee jump, rock climbing wall, and more. Also on hand will be local artisans and crafters, the Fondue Festival Talent Showcase, the Fond du Lac Farmers Market, wonderful local food favorites, and much more.

About The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc.

With more than 119 restaurants nationwide and over 38 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 entrées 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 www.meltingpot.com or email info@meltingpot.com.