The Melting Pot is officially open for business at Watters Creek Village, giving Allen its first fondue restaurant after a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 19, that drew Mayor Chris Schulmeister and other city leaders.

The national chain's Allen location is its third in North Texas. Local franchisees Tracie and Dan Greene, residents of nearby Lucas, are running the restaurant after careers outside the hospitality industry. Tracie was most recently CFO and part-owner of a marketing agency, while Dan brings experience in HVAC and commercial remodeling, according to a company news release.

Tracie Greene said the couple's goal is to create a space where the community can slow down, reconnect and celebrate over good food.

"Our goal is to create a warm, inviting space where the community can slow down, reconnect, and celebrate special moments over great food," Greene said.

The restaurant offers a four-course experience built around cheese and chocolate fondue. The menu lists six types of cheese fondue served with bread, fruit, vegetables and salads, entrée fondue cooked in styles such as Coq au Vin and Court Bouillon paired with shrimp, steak and chicken, and six types of chocolate fondue with dessert treats and fresh fruits.

The space includes a full-service bar, a "Lovers Lane" section with semi-private booths for two and a private event room.

The Melting Pot was founded in 1975 in Florida and now operates nearly 90 locations across 30 states. The Greenes had targeted an August opening at the Watters Creek shopping center, as the Allen Record reported Aug. 6.

The restaurant is now taking reservations. Residents can follow updates at @themeltingpot_allen on Instagram.