The Melting Pot offered this fondue fusion plate when it originally opened in Chattanooga.

Despite its initial failure in the market, officials with The Melting Pot said today they want to return the fondue restaurant chain to Chattanooga with a new franchisee.

The Melting Pot closed its Chattanooga restaurant near Hamilton Place Mall in September 2012 after three years of operation at 2553 Lifestyle Way.

But the parent company said today it now has an opportunity for the right franchisee partner "to potentially re-open the former location or open a new Melting Pot restaurant at a new site in the market."

Chattanooga is one of a number of select markets throughout the U.S. where the company is looking to recruit qualified new franchisees. Currently, The Melting Pot has four Tennessee restaurants located in Gatlinburg, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville.

"As the premier fondue restaurant of choice for nearly 40 years, The Melting Pot offers a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs," said Mike Lester, president of The Melting Pot. "Our proven business model and simple operations combined with strong average unit volumes make our concept the perfect investment opportunity for both experienced and first-time restaurant operators. We've seen a strong interest in our brand in Chattanooga and we're looking forward to bringing our one-of-a-kind polished casual dining experience back to the community."

The Melting Pot operates more than 135 restaurants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico and has more than 25 locations in development internationally.