National Fondue Restaurant and Local Franchisee Team Broke World's Record for Largest Working Fondue Pot and Fork 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, have broken the world's record for largest working fondue set filled with cheese fondue.
As sponsors of the World's Largest Cheese Fondue that took place September 8, 2007 in Fond du Lac, Wis., The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. and The Melting Pot of Appleton prepared a cheese fondue that included more then 1,250 pounds of cheese and 12 kegs of beer prepared in a massive fondue pot that was over eight feet wide with matching fondue forks over seven feet long.
The fondue set was located in the heart of downtown Fond du Lac on Forest Avenue as an adjudicator from the Guinness Book of World Records was also on-site to document the attempt at breaking the existing record. During the festival The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., The Melting Pot of Appleton, Roth Käse USA Ltd. and Brenner Tank partnered 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 weighed more than 2,000 pounds, measured eight feet across and was capable of holding 2,500 pounds of melted cheese. For the event, Brenner Tank also created fondue forks measuring more than seven 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, Fox River Brewing Co. provided 12 kegs of handcrafted beer and The Melting Pot provided additional ingredients and the creative consultation of its national manager of culinary development, Chef Shane Schaibly.
"We have been 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 are so glad to know that our loyal patrons supported this cause with all their heart and came out to sample cheese fondue from the world's largest fondue pot – and to donate to a worthy cause."
The official fondue pot dipping began at 11 a.m. after the celebrity taster, Wisconsin's Alice in Dairyland, Jill Makovec, savored the first taste from the giant pot. Then the Fond du Lac Area Agricultural Ambassador Program, a one-of-a-kind agriculture education program, sold the cheese from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a fundraiser for its program. Visitors enjoyed their cheese fondue with bread and pretzels donated by Festival Foods 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 featured 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 were 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 110 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 e-mail info@meltingpot.com.
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