The Melt Appoints Greg Vojnovic as Franchising Head for National Growth
The Melt Appoints Greg Vojnovic as Head of Franchising
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23, 2026 — The Melt, a fast-casual restaurant renowned for its beloved MeltBurger, has announced the appointment of Greg Vojnovic as its new Head of Franchising. This strategic move comes as The Melt prepares for its much-anticipated expansion beyond its existing locations in California and Arizona, signaling a new chapter for the brand.
Greg Vojnovic is not new to the restaurant industry, boasting over three decades of experience in franchise development and restaurant operations. He represents the third generation of restaurateurs in his family and is celebrated for his award-winning contributions during his tenure in various high-profile brands. Notably, he played a pivotal role in transforming Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, increasing its footprint by more than 1,000 locations. In his capacity as Chief Development Officer at Arby’s, he was instrumental in revitalizing the brand, leading it towards net-positive growth, particularly after its acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings where he joined the foundational team that built Inspire Brands.
Vojnovic's journey with The Melt began with a consulting engagement that assessed the brand’s franchising readiness. This deep dive confirmed the potential for growth and led to the establishment of a dedicated franchising entity. Ralph Bower, CEO of The Melt, emphasizes that this transition to a franchise model is not just about expansion; it's about ensuring that the brand's offerings remain consistent and enduring.
Bower explained, “Our assessment wasn't just whether franchising was the next step, but whether The Melt had all aspects in place to sustain and appeal to a broader market. We learned that great food isn't enough alone.” The Melt’s thriving operations and solid company culture have been tested through its wholly owned restaurants and are seen as key advantages in its franchising efforts.
At the core of The Melt’s culinary offerings is their signature MeltBurger, which features a proprietary mix of 100% all-natural Angus and Wagyu beef, topped with delicious aged cheddar and complemented by the restaurant’s unique house-made pickle-jalapeño mix. This careful blend of quality ingredients highlights the brand's commitment to offering an unforgettable dining experience.
Vojnovic praised the operational framework, stating, “In our kitchens, the design promotes both efficiency and ease of execution. With straightforward equipment and preparation processes, we can maintain high profitability while keeping initial investments reasonable for operators.”
Currently, The Melt enjoys impressive unit performance metrics, with an average revenue near $3.4 million across locations open for over a year—exceeding $5 million at the leading third. A combination of night-time service, robust delivery options, and a friendly customer service culture exemplifies what The Melt aspires to deliver.
Vojnovic expressed confidence in The Melt’s direction under current leadership, highlighting the experience of Ralph Bower and Rick Federico as critical to building a lasting brand. “Ralph's background as a proven operator paired with Rick's expansive knowledge in scaling iconic restaurant concepts forms a formidable leadership team,” he said.
In his role as Head of Franchising, Vojnovic will oversee the recruitment of new franchisees and formulate market strategies aimed at sustainable growth. He reiterated The Melt’s mission, which centers around providing an outstanding dining experience that keeps guests returning. “We've already increased sales fivefold by remaining nimble and guest-focused, and now we're poised to share the love for The Melt with an even broader audience,” he added.
The Melt's franchising journey, according to Bower, emphasizes a careful approach. “This journey isn't about rapid expansion without strategy. We're prioritizing an operator-first mentality in our franchising strategy, and Greg's expertise is fundamental to ensuring we safeguard the brand while supporting our franchise partners for ultimate success.”
With a solid framework now established for its franchising infrastructure, The Melt is eager to welcome motivated operators that align with its vibrant culture and operational standards. Vojnovic concluded, “The Melt is on track to become one of America's premier franchise brands, and we are committed to doing it the right way.”
About The Melt
Founded in San Francisco in 2011, The Melt has gained recognition for serving the ‘World’s Meltiest Burger’ made with only all-natural ingredients. Known for the MeltBurger, the menu offers a variety of crave-worthy items prepared with the highest quality standards. As The Melt continues to receive accolades for customer satisfaction and rapid growth, it aims to deliver memorable flavors and an inviting atmosphere that keeps guests returning for more. To learn more about the brand and its offerings, visit The Melt or follow them on social media @TheMelt.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23, 2026 — The Melt, a fast-casual restaurant renowned for its beloved MeltBurger, has announced the appointment of Greg Vojnovic as its new Head of Franchising. This strategic move comes as The Melt prepares for its much-anticipated expansion beyond its existing locations in California and Arizona, signaling a new chapter for the brand.
Greg Vojnovic is not new to the restaurant industry, boasting over three decades of experience in franchise development and restaurant operations. He represents the third generation of restaurateurs in his family and is celebrated for his award-winning contributions during his tenure in various high-profile brands. Notably, he played a pivotal role in transforming Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, increasing its footprint by more than 1,000 locations. In his capacity as Chief Development Officer at Arby’s, he was instrumental in revitalizing the brand, leading it towards net-positive growth, particularly after its acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings where he joined the foundational team that built Inspire Brands.
Vojnovic's journey with The Melt began with a consulting engagement that assessed the brand’s franchising readiness. This deep dive confirmed the potential for growth and led to the establishment of a dedicated franchising entity. Ralph Bower, CEO of The Melt, emphasizes that this transition to a franchise model is not just about expansion; it's about ensuring that the brand's offerings remain consistent and enduring.
Bower explained, “Our assessment wasn't just whether franchising was the next step, but whether The Melt had all aspects in place to sustain and appeal to a broader market. We learned that great food isn't enough alone.” The Melt’s thriving operations and solid company culture have been tested through its wholly owned restaurants and are seen as key advantages in its franchising efforts.
At the core of The Melt’s culinary offerings is their signature MeltBurger, which features a proprietary mix of 100% all-natural Angus and Wagyu beef, topped with delicious aged cheddar and complemented by the restaurant’s unique house-made pickle-jalapeño mix. This careful blend of quality ingredients highlights the brand's commitment to offering an unforgettable dining experience.
Vojnovic praised the operational framework, stating, “In our kitchens, the design promotes both efficiency and ease of execution. With straightforward equipment and preparation processes, we can maintain high profitability while keeping initial investments reasonable for operators.”
Currently, The Melt enjoys impressive unit performance metrics, with an average revenue near $3.4 million across locations open for over a year—exceeding $5 million at the leading third. A combination of night-time service, robust delivery options, and a friendly customer service culture exemplifies what The Melt aspires to deliver.
Vojnovic expressed confidence in The Melt’s direction under current leadership, highlighting the experience of Ralph Bower and Rick Federico as critical to building a lasting brand. “Ralph's background as a proven operator paired with Rick's expansive knowledge in scaling iconic restaurant concepts forms a formidable leadership team,” he said.
In his role as Head of Franchising, Vojnovic will oversee the recruitment of new franchisees and formulate market strategies aimed at sustainable growth. He reiterated The Melt’s mission, which centers around providing an outstanding dining experience that keeps guests returning. “We've already increased sales fivefold by remaining nimble and guest-focused, and now we're poised to share the love for The Melt with an even broader audience,” he added.
The Melt's franchising journey, according to Bower, emphasizes a careful approach. “This journey isn't about rapid expansion without strategy. We're prioritizing an operator-first mentality in our franchising strategy, and Greg's expertise is fundamental to ensuring we safeguard the brand while supporting our franchise partners for ultimate success.”
With a solid framework now established for its franchising infrastructure, The Melt is eager to welcome motivated operators that align with its vibrant culture and operational standards. Vojnovic concluded, “The Melt is on track to become one of America's premier franchise brands, and we are committed to doing it the right way.”
About The Melt
Founded in San Francisco in 2011, The Melt has gained recognition for serving the ‘World’s Meltiest Burger’ made with only all-natural ingredients. Known for the MeltBurger, the menu offers a variety of crave-worthy items prepared with the highest quality standards. As The Melt continues to receive accolades for customer satisfaction and rapid growth, it aims to deliver memorable flavors and an inviting atmosphere that keeps guests returning for more. To learn more about the brand and its offerings, visit The Melt or follow them on social media @TheMelt.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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