Kendall’s cheesiest restaurant is closing after almost 40 years. ‘The end of an era’
No more gooey dipping sessions camped around a communal, piping hot party bowl.
Melting Pot in Kendall is shutting its doors.
The bad news was announced on the website of the beloved mainstay, which has been at 11520 Sunset Drive since 2000. The last night of service is Saturday.
We hear the reason is real estate related, and that the freestanding building was sold to a medical company.
The local franchise was first opened by husband and wife team Dana and Selene Munach 39 years ago. They moved it from its first location near 97th Avenue and Sunset Drive to the current spot.
“One of Miami’s most delicious spots is closing,” read the statement thanking customers. “After 39 incredible years of serving you fondue and creating cherished memories, the time has come for us to close our doors.”
On Instagram, a message was also sent to their followers, saying it was “the end of an era.” Regulars commenting on the post were duly bummed, with many adding sad face emojis.
For almost four decades, folks made the pilgrimage to this homey haven to sink their skewers of protein and veggies into melted cheeses from Wisconsin cheddar and fontina to gruyère and and butterkäse.
The DIY fun didn’t end there. The decadent chocolate fondue dessert was legendary, the shareable fruit dipping ritual practically made for date night or family celebrations.
The bright spot? If you are feeling nostalgic, you can still shop for merch at Shop.Meltingpot.Com. The retail site carries kitchenware, cheese kits and T-shirts with cheeky slogans like “Our pot’s been legal since 1975.”
Or you can battle traffic and dine at the three other South Florida locations, in Boca Raton, Coral Springs and Cooper City.
The owner of the Cooper City eatery, Dave Lopate, told Miami.com he will be offering $20 off the checks of Club Fondue members from Miami-Dade for a limited time after the official closing.
“If you make the drive up,” said the Pinecrest native started as a server at The Melting Pot in 1991, “we will take care of you.”
This story was originally published November 25, 2024 at 4:25 PM.
