---
title: "The Melt Franchise Expansion: Orlando and Tampa Markets"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/131f6af6-1bb2-479b-92d2-18748b762d31
source: "1851 Franchise"
original_url: https://1851franchise.com/florida-franchise-expansion-orlando-and-tampa-markets-2733425
author: "Luca Piacentini"
category: "Casual dining"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Casual dining"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-11-03T13:08:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-03T18:01:49.470Z
image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/The_Melt_Franchise_1793639404585.jpg
---

# The Melt Franchise Expansion: Orlando and Tampa Markets

**TL;DR:** The Melt targets Orlando and Tampa for its next major markets for franchise expansion, with a focus on MeltBurgers and handspun milkshakes.

*By Luca Piacentini, originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2026-11-03. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/florida-franchise-expansion-orlando-and-tampa-markets-2733425).*

## Story

The Melt, the fast casual restaurant concept centered on craveable MeltBurgers, Melted Classics, fries and handspun milkshakes, is targeting Orlando and Tampa as its next major markets for franchise expansion, according to Franchise Magazine USA.

“Florida presents a tremendous opportunity for The Melt,” said Greg Vojnovic, head of franchising. “Tampa and Orlando continue to attract new residents, businesses and visitors every year. When you combine that population growth with strong retail development, a vibrant dining culture and year-round consumer activity, you have the ingredients for the type of market where our concept can thrive.”

Founded in San Francisco in 2011, The Melt currently operates 20 locations, with four additional restaurants expected to open soon. Known for its signature MeltBurgers made with premium Angus and Wagyu beef, the brand has demonstrated strong unit-level sales. Restaurants open for at least one year generated average sales of $3.4 million in 2025, while the top third of locations averaged more than $4.5 million. The company attributes its performance in part to a streamlined kitchen model, smaller restaurant footprints and an operational infrastructure designed to support franchisees.

As The Melt expands into Florida, leadership is prioritizing experienced, high-performing restaurant operators who can maintain the brand's standards while building successful multi-unit businesses.

“We take a disciplined approach to development and focus on partnering with operators who understand what it takes to build a great business,” Vojnovic said. “Our goal is not simply to add locations. We want to work with franchisees who can deliver a consistent guest experience, develop strong teams and grow with us over time.”

## Entities

- Restaurants (sector)
- expansion (topic)
- Orlando (location)
- Tampa (location)
- franchise (topic)
- The Melt (company)
- markets (topic)

---
Originally reported by Luca Piacentini, 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/florida-franchise-expansion-orlando-and-tampa-markets-2733425). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/131f6af6-1bb2-479b-92d2-18748b762d31).