Women in Business: Melting Pot Franchise, Bentonville, Arkansas

As Melting Pot, the 93-unit fondue franchise, celebrates Women’s History Month, there is a clear spotlight shining on Bentonville, Arkansas, where mother-daughter duo Diana Bonnett and Candice Hickerson are leading the successful operation of the brand’s first location in the state. For the pair, bringing the iconic fondue brand to Arkansas was the next step in a long-term business partnership built around trust, grit and shared entrepreneurial spirit.

“As the daughter, my mom and stepdad owned a construction company when I was very young. Being in a family business… I don’t know any different,” Hickerson said. “By the time I was seven or eight, I was in their office. I always saw them working. I think because I grew up in it, seeing my parents earn their money and understanding how much each family member needs to contribute, it made it easy to transition to business ownership when I was old enough.”

In her early 20s, Hickerson approached her mother with research and a business plan to start a group home for children and adults with disabilities, and they began growing this concept together.

Family business background

Hickerson and Bonnett operated the residential care facilities business for about 20 years in California before the family began considering relocating outside of California. Around this time, Hickerson was on a date with her husband, Chad, at the Sacramento Melting Pot location, one of their favorite restaurants, and they thought, “Why don’t we open a Melting Pot?”

The family ended up moving to Arkansas, noting that Bentonville is particularly suited for the Melting Pot model.

As they’ve made the transition to a new state and opened their new Melting Pot restaurant, Hickerson and Bonnett have stayed true to the family business model.

“Owning a business is hard, but you have your hands in everything,” Bonnett said. “You’re accountable for the business, but you can feel confident knowing you have a hand in the future of the business. Just standing back and not being active in the business isn’t our style. Business ownership is great. I wish more women did it.”

New industry risks

While the pair recognized taking the leap to a new industry would be a risk, it was a calculated, well-researched one, and they took the step with confidence in each other and their ability to work as a team.

“We’re in the process of transitioning right now,” Hickerson added. “We have one business that’s been operating for almost 20 years and another brand new one. We’re starting from square one with Melting Pot. We’re still working to scale and reinvest in the business. People don’t always tell you how hard business ownership can be; we’re back to a point where we’re expecting three solid years of hard work with Melting Pot, but we also see the bigger picture. Risk is good, and I know that, in a couple of years, it will all pay off if we just don’t stop.”

Though they recognize the responsibility associated with business ownership and leadership, Hickerson and Bonnett remain strong proponents of women taking these positions.

“Don’t be short-sighted because it’s tough,” Bonnett said. “There have been times with Melting Pot where I’ve thought, ‘I don’t know if I can do this,’ but you have to see the vision. Look at what’s working well, what’s not, and what changes you can make. There are a lot of networks to reach out to. Find a mentor; chat with someone. We’ve found another Melting Pot owner who we’ve been able to go to for guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Women in leadership

In addition to encouraging other women to explore entrepreneurship, the pair recognizes how their approach to leadership as women can influence their own business.

“Women, historically, are seen as abrasive when we lean in, but I’m okay with being perceived that way if I need to for the sake of my business,” Hickerson said. “But there are also times when I don’t want to do that. I’m very empathetic. I think that this does have a lot of benefits. Staff are happy and comfortable knowing they can go to a woman in leadership if they need to.”

For other women entering the business world, Hickerson and Bonnett recommend balancing your own identity with the realities of business ownership. With a strong sense of self, you can stay consistent and steady while operating with your values in mind. However, it’s also important to be confident enough to admit when you’re not sure or own a mistake for the long-term health of the team and business.

“One of the hardest things for me has been owning my mistakes or not responding when I don’t know the answer to something rather than responding emotionally,” Bonnett said. “But the more you do it, the better manager and owner you become.”