City Cave is a float and wellness center offering scientifically backed therapies such as Floatation-REST, infrared saunas and massage therapy. With its roots in Australia, City Cave is expanding rapidly across the United States and beyond, giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to build a purpose-driven business in the booming health and wellness sector.

1. What Is the Brand Overview for City Cave?

About the Brand

City Cave was founded in Australia and is now expanding internationally, with a goal of eventually opening 3,000 locations in the U.S. The brand was created to offer a space where individuals can unplug, reconnect with themselves, and invest in their physical and mental wellness.

Mission: To give people a safe place to feel good — emotionally, physically and spiritually — through evidence-based self-care modalities.

Vision: To become the world’s leading wellness destination by offering services that enhance the mind-body connection and promote holistic health.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

  • Offers a science-led approach to wellness
  • Provides world-first open float pools for a unique therapeutic experience
  • Combines three core services: Float Therapy, Infrared Sauna and Massage
  • Centers are designed to be calming, spa-like environments for total relaxation
  • Focuses on wellness treatments over retail sales for a streamlined guest experience

2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?

Why Franchise With City Cave?

  • Internationally awarded and fast-growing business model
  • Proven systems and marketing support
  • Comprehensive HR and operational infrastructure
  • On-going training and community among franchisees
  • Deep commitment to franchisee profitability

Available Territories

City Cave is expanding across the U.S. with the goal of eventually having over 3,000 locations in the country. It is currently seeking franchise partners with a passion for wellness.

Investment Overview

Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a City Cave franchise ranges from $708,750 to $967,000. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:

Type of Expenditure

Min

Max

Initial Franchise Fee

$50,000

$50,000

Initial Training Fee

$10,000

$10,000

Specialty Equipment

$80,000

$100,000

Furniture, Fixtures & Other Equipment

$20,000

$20,000

Leasehold Improvements

$430,000

$550,000

Project Manager Fees

$10,000

$10,000

Architectural and Engineering Fees, Permits & Licenses 

$30,000

$52,000

Lease Payments (3 Months)

$24,000

$54,000

Security Deposit

$6,000

$18,000

Signage

$10,000

$20,000

Utility Deposits

$2,000

$4,000

Computer System

$1,500

$5,000

Initial Inventory

$3,000

$6,000

Initial Digital Marketing & Advertising

$16,000

$20,000

Professional Fees

$5,000

$10,000

Insurance

$1,000

$3,500

Initial Training Expenses

$250

$4,500

Additional Funds (3 Months)

$10,000

$30,000

Initial Franchise Fee: City Cave charges a standard initial franchise fee of $50,000 for a single location, which covers pre-opening support and helps offset franchise recruitment costs. This fee is due upon signing the franchise agreement, is non-refundable, and is considered fully earned once paid. However, a discounted rate of $45,000 is available to qualified U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members.

Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, City Cave franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:

Type of FeeAmount
Royalty8% of gross sales/monthly
Brand Contribution Fund2% of gross sales/monthly

ROI Potential: Gross sales for the Australian reporting group in FY 2024 were as follows: 

Average

High

Low

Median

$924,137

$1,492,439

$418,533

$866,888

3. What Franchisee Support Does City Cave Provide?

Training Programs

City Cave offers ongoing training to ensure franchisee success. Multi-unit owners are involved in shaping and delivering training programs, with award-winning franchisees like Kathy Rees contributing their expertise.

Operational Support

Support from City Cave includes marketing, HR and systemized operations designed for simplicity and profitability. Franchisees also benefit from a collaborative network of existing owners.

Technology and Tools

Franchisees are supported by the City Cave App, which allows for booking, membership management, messaging with local centers and gift card/package sales — all from a single platform.

4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for City Cave?

Eligibility Criteria

City Cave seeks franchisees who are passionate about wellness and community impact. 

Operational Commitments

Franchisees are expected to be actively engaged in running the business, ensuring a high-quality guest experience and brand representation.

5. Are There Franchisee Success Stories?

“We fell in love with the warm, relaxed, inviting feel it has when you walk in and throughout the centre. It concentrates on treatments rather than a tonne of retail stock constantly having to be monitored, ordered etc. It is such a good place to be in, to know you are making a positive difference to people’s lives and to see and hear the happiness of the customers after their treatments, it’s extremely rewarding.” 

– Deb & Jeff Booth

6. What Is the Market Potential for Health and Wellness?

With the global wellness market set to reach $8.5 trillion by 2027, having a grasp of the vast complexities of the market is vital to tapping into its revenue potential. From stress-reduction treatments to recovery-focused therapies, the demand for holistic, drug-free wellness solutions continues to grow rapidly — positioning brands like City Cave at the forefront of this expansion.

Competitor Analysis

City Cave stands out with its spa-like experience, open float pools and app-based infrastructure. Competitors include The Now Massage, Restore Hyper Wellness and other boutique wellness franchises, although few offer the same multi-modality model in a serene environment.

7. What Is the Application Process for City Cave Franchisees?

  1. Submit an inquiry through the City Cave Franchise Page.
  2. Speak with the franchise development team.
  3. Explore fit and financial viability.
  4. Attend a discovery process and review the FDD.
  5. Sign franchise agreement.
  6. Begin training and site development.
  7. Open your City Cave location.

Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves. 

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.

Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. 

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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Victoria Campisi

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Victoria Campisi

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