1851

<a href="https://handandstone.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=hand-stone-massage-and-facial-spas-new-president-and-chief-development-officer-sees-a-bright-future-for-health-and-wellness-franchising-2713744" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hand &amp; Stone Massage and Facial Spa</a>, the 475-plus-unit spa franchise that has expanded steadily across markets throughout the U.S. and Canada over the past fifteen years, has a new president and chief development officer. John Teza joined the brand in August, leaving the foodservice segment behind for the spa and wellness category, perhaps signaling the start of a larger shift in franchising.John Teza has been involved in the franchise industry since the late 90’s as both an operator, and more recently, as part of an institutional investment team. He has been an active advocate for both the franchise and restaurant industries, serving on the boards of both the IFA Foundation and the National Restaurant Association. Teza is also an investor in several technology companies aimed at improving operational efficiency in the retail, service, and restaurant sectors. But it was his work with Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, the NJ based franchisor with 1,750+ locations and nearly $1.2B in system where he made a name for himself as one of the most effective development professionals in franchising. In his time as chief development officer for Jersey Mike’s, the sandwich brand was the fastest-growing chain in America for three consecutive years.&nbsp;Teza is the first to admit that unit growth is not always the best indicator of a franchise system’s overall health. In fact, “from a franchisee’s perspective, rapid unit growth is often a reason not to join a brand,” Teza said, “as early-stage systems and skillsets are often exhausted, and unit growth becomes a priority unto itself.” That said, Teza referred to the Jersey Mike’s growth during this period as “pretty remarkable.”In Hand &amp; Stone, Teza sees many of the same characteristics that led to the restaurant brand’s long-term success: a firm commitment to hiring and training, a diverse product offering, elevated brand positioning and marketing spend, the presence of critical business intelligence platforms that support scale, and most importantly, a commitment to support the communities in which it operates.“Jersey Mike’s was already a mature and successful company. We built upon a really high performing team, attracting some of the best multi-unit developers in the country,” Teza explained. “At the same time, we focused hard on enabling our successful existing area developers and franchise owners to continue their growth with the company.”At <a href="https://1851franchise.com/handandstone">Hand &amp; Stone</a>, Teza said he sees a brand similarly well positioned to lead a consumer category poised for significant growth. “Todd [Leff, Hand &amp; Stone’s chief executive officer] and the Hand &amp; Stone team have built an incredibly strong organization, with a foundation based on a diversified, robust, and innovative consumer offering, industry leading unit-economics, passionate franchise partners and team members, and a commitment to elevating the safety and security of its customers and practitioners. By focusing on professionalism, affordability, and convenience, along with promoting a membership-based model, Hand and Stone has created new demand for spa services in the middle market.Hand &amp; Stone’s growth strategy has been deliberate and consistent, something Teza said is key to long term success.“They’ve grown the brand the right way,” he said. “The focus has been on franchise owner success, not growth for the sake of growth. They have recruited high-quality and experienced franchise owners, have remained committed to a successful site selection profile, and are mindful of maintaining a business model in which their partners can thrive.” He added, “Todd’s strategy of remaining focused on core growth markets and limiting the size of development agreements for new partners has enabled the brand to maximize its reach in existing markets, while maintaining significant white space in new and emerging markets.”Crucially, Teza said Hand &amp; Stone’s operational model is also well positioned to thrive in a rapidly shifting consumer landscape. By introducing a number of wellness and skin care services, all performed in one location by a small staff, Hand &amp; Stone has secured multiple revenue streams that complement one another and can buoy each other should an unforeseen event —&nbsp;like a pandemic — affect one or multiple services. In recent years, new skin care services have been the fastest growing segment of the business.“It’s a crucial strategic differentiator, from both a consumer and a business model perspective,” Teza explained. “Our customers have multiple channels to access the brand and can deepen their relationship over time. From a business model perspective, the diversified revenue stream is an advantage, as is the nature of the recurring membership and gift card revenues.”&nbsp;At a time when the future of so many businesses remains uncertain, diversification is key. Teza said, “What is absolutely foundational about Hand &amp; Stone is that the model is already diversified at its core.”Teza’s decision to join Hand &amp; Stone reflects more than the brand’s own accomplishments and positioning. The entire segment, Teza says, is primed for significant growth.“Consumers are more conscious of their health and well-being than ever before and are looking for proactive and affordable ways to make their lives better. The worldwide $4.5T wellness economy continues to outpace overall GDP growth and the pandemic has created significant shifts in the overall competitive landscape. Hand &amp; Stone is well positioned to benefit from these trends”As Teza steps into the role of president and CDO for Hand &amp; Stone, he says his primary focus is “keeping up the good work.”“They have an incredible foundation of execution in place and there is very little that needs to be re-tooled.” Teza explained. “We’re going to look at opportunities to optimize or amplify certain aspects of the brand, but the goal is really just to build on the team’s success.”Of course, foodservice franchising isn’t going anywhere. Even with all of the challenges the coronavirus crisis has brought upon the segment, Teza said it remains in a strong position. But he has little doubt that health and wellness is the industry to be in, thanks in large part to the strides made by Hand &amp; Stone.“I love the restaurant industry, and I’m excited about some of the changes and opportunities we’re seeing in that segment right now,” Teza said. “But there’s nothing more exciting than joining a brand that’s on the leading edge of transformational consumer trends, and that’s what Hand &amp; Stone is doing. They’ve made advancements not just for their brand, but for the entire industry, and I couldn’t be more excited to get involved.”ABOUT HAND &amp; STONE MASSAGE AND FACIAL SPA&nbsp;Hand &amp; Stone is a 450-plus unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to bring massage and facial services to the masses. Launched in 2004, Hand &amp; Stone now has locations in 31 states and Canada. The brand has been named number #1 in the spa category by Entrepreneur Magazine for 2020, ranked number #8 on Forbes' Best Franchises to Buy list for 2019 in the high investment category and is the fastest growing spa concept in the country. For more information on franchising with Hand &amp; Stone, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://handandstonefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=hand-stone-massage-and-facial-spas-new-president-and-chief-development-officer-sees-a-bright-future-for-health-and-wellness-franchising-2713744" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://handandstonefranchise.com/</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa’s New President and Chief Development Officer Sees a Bright Future for Health and Wellness Franchising

1851 Franchise

After two decades in restaurant franchising, John Teza is making the switch to a well-positioned brand in a promising segment.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

hand-stone-massage-and-facial-spas-new-president-and-chief-development-officer-sees-a-bright-future-for-health-and-wellness-franchising

Lindora

Celebrating the Nurse Behind the Mission: How Melinda Endricks Is Powering Lindora’s Growth and Impact Nationwide

celebrating-the-nurse-behind-the-mission-how-melinda-endricks-is-powering-lindoras-growth-and-impact-nationwide

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-chicago-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. - Technology Piece - CTO Nick Fontenot - May 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Builds the Future of Franchising With Tech-First Strategy

crust-pizza-co-technology-nick-fontenot-cto

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette’s Recipe for Expansion: Leadership, Community and A Vision for 1,000 Cafés by 2030

paris-baguettes-recipe-for-expansion-leadership-community-and-a-vision-for-1000-cafes-by-2030

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: Building Your Brand’s Growth Machine

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises

franchise supplier award design with Locate AI logo and 1851 Franchise badge

Franchise Real Estate Services | Locate AI — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

locate-ai-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

Franchise Financial Reporting, Analytics and Business Intelligence | Qvinci

Franchise Financial Reporting, Analytics and Business Intelligence | Qvinci — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

franchise-financial-reporting-analytics-and-business-intelligence-qvinci-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Clarify Your Positioning – The “Why You/Why Now”

the-ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-clarify-your-positioning-the-why-youwhy-now

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa’s New President and Chief Development Officer Sees a Bright Future for Health and Wellness Franchising

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS