KidStrong Franchising, LLC

<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-expansion-2026-2731423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KidStrong</a>, the science-based youth enrichment franchise, closed 2025 with a faster opening pace, a deeper development pipeline and a renewed focus on improving unit-level performance, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-expansion-2026-2731423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Josh Patrick</a>, senior vice president of franchise development.In a system built around multi-unit development, Patrick pointed to lease momentum as a key signal of franchise owner confidence. “We opened 40 locations — in 2024 it was 33 — so we saw a good year-over-year,” Patrick said. “But one of the biggest nods was that we signed 50 leases. We hadn’t signed 50 leases since 2020, which tells me the system is very healthy.”A yearlong effort to push performance upward through added support, product investment and technology has gained traction. “We set out at the beginning of the year to raise the bar on the AUVs and bring in more support, product and technology to get franchise owners to be as profitable as possible,” he said. “From my seat in development, the fact that franchise owners are signing leases tells you everything. They don’t sign leases if they’re not profitable. End of discussion.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong’s</a> development results in 2025 included 148 licenses sold, with growth coming from both new owners entering the system and existing operators expanding. “Forty of those were new franchise owners signing on, which is really exciting,” Patrick said. “And 27 were existing franchise owners buying more territory — a lot of people who developed their three, four, five and are buying another five-pack to double down.”Those signings are expected to drive a heavier opening schedule ahead. “We were well on track to open more than 50 locations because of that development and the health of the system,” Patrick said.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/kidstrong-franchise">KidStrong</a> also used 2025 to tighten the in-center experience, with a particular focus on retention. “At the beginning of the year, our curriculum ran the same class for four weeks,” Patrick said. “Based on member feedback, we quickly developed additional programming and made some technology changes so we could change the programming weekly and still give kids the reps they need to reach promised milestones. That made a big impact. Our churn almost immediately dropped by about two points.”The brand also added new engagement mechanisms inside the center. “We added a streak milestone leaderboard,” Patrick said. “Kids walk in and run to the board to see where they rank against everyone in their center. The great thing is kids don’t want to break their streak, which means they’re reminding parents to take them to class.”Heading into 2026, Patrick said the brand is continuing to narrow the profile of who it wants in the system, emphasizing proven leadership and hiring strength. “We’re leaning heavy on experience,” he said. “We need to see business competency — leadership and hiring — that you can bring into KidStrong.”KidStrong is also using behavioral screening to improve fit. “We worked with Zoracle and developed what we call a ‘grit score,’” Patrick said. “Some of our best franchise owners score very high in grit — back against the wall, you’re going to figure it out. Now we can score incoming franchise owners on that grit factor and test it at Discovery Day to see who’s going to push through when things get tough.”The brand is also clear about what ownership requires. “We stress it during the discovery process that this is a full-time gig,” Patrick said. “You can’t keep your job and do KidStrong. You need one full-time person. If it’s a husband and wife, who’s leaving their job to do KidStrong?”With a growing pipeline and a more defined operator profile, KidStrong expects 2026 expansion to concentrate in the West and Midwest, where the brand says there is still meaningful white space. At the same time, Patrick said the focus will remain on building durable unit economics by improving the member experience, tightening execution and ensuring franchise owners enter the system with the right expectations about the day-to-day work required to run the business.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.About KidStrongKidStrong was founded in 2015 by Matt and Megin Sharp because they wanted a program focused on developing strength and confidence for their daughter Ella and other kids like her. Together, they partnered in 2017 with Matt's best friend and co-founder Lincoln Brown to help grow the program. Later, Megan Stein joined as a co-founder. Together they developed KidStrong, a science-based kids’ training program focused on brain, physical and character development for ages walking through 11 years old. KidStrong offers a science-based curriculum that is parent-focused and taught by professionals to help accelerate milestone development and promote social and emotional strength. Today, KidStrong has grown exponentially, with more than 500 franchises sold to date since the company opened its first center in 2015. Over the next five years, KidStrong plans to have more than 500 open centers in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kidstrong.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-expansion-2026-2731423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.kidstrong.com</a>.

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KidStrong Franchise Expansion 2026: AUV, Growth and West, Midwest Plans

1851 Franchise

With a healthy pipeline and additional focus on expansion, the brand heads into 2026 focused on growth across the West and Midwest.

This brand page has been paid for by KIDSTRONG FRANCHISING, LLC. 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

KidStrong Closes 2025 Strong: 40 New Centers, 50 Leases, More Runway Ahead

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From Multi-Unit Fitness Portfolio to KidStrong Franchising: Manuel Torres’ Journey Across Seattle, Indianapolis and Texas

A 61-Unit Development Agreement Puts Joe Pedatella at the Top of KidStrong's Development Ranks

Michael Reyes Left Sales Career to Build KidStrong Centers

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Parents today have more options than ever when it comes to kids’ activities, from youth sports leagues and gymnastics programs to open-play spaces and tutoring or enrichment classes. Yet many of these programs were designed for a different era, one where unstructured play, seasonal participation or narrow skill-building were considered enough.&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based child development franchise, was created to fill a growing gap in that landscape.&nbsp;Rather than functioning as a gym, sports-specific program or drop-in activity,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> positions itself as a comprehensive child development system, one built around structure, progression and confidence during the most critical developmental years.<h2>Skill-Based Development vs. Indoor Playground</h2>Traditional kids’ gyms and drop in&nbsp; programs often emphasize movement without intention. Children run, jump, climb and explore, but progress is incidental rather than designed. While play is important, open environments rarely provide clear milestones or a framework for long-term growth.KidStrong takes a different approach. Its programming is built on a structured, skill-based curriculum that follows a clear progression. Children move through defined developmental stages, learning foundational motor skills, coordination, balance and strength in a way that builds intentionally from one class to the next. Growth is not left to chance. It is designed, measured and reinforced.This structure allows parents to see tangible progress over time, rather than simply knowing their child was active for 45 minutes.<h2>A Whole-Child Approach to Development</h2>Traditional kids' programs often focus on one area: specific sports, general fitness or academics. While helpful, childhood development isn't single-focused.Children build confidence through movement, communication, problem-solving and social interaction at the same time. When programs only address one area, other skills are often overlooked. KidStrong was designed to reflect how kids actually grow by combining physical challenges with mental engagement and social interaction within each class. Strength, focus, communication and confidence are developed together rather than treated as isolated outcomes.This integrated approach helps children carry what they learn beyond the program itself, showing up more capable not only during activities but in everyday situations.<h2>Confidence as the Primary Outcome</h2>In many kids’ programs, success is easy to spot. A child scores a goal, finishes a routine or keeps up with the group. Those moments can be exciting, but they do not work the same way for every child. Some kids thrive in performance-driven environments. Others shut down when comparison becomes part of the experience.That confidence shows up outside the program. Parents often notice changes in everyday situations, such as children speaking up more easily or participating without prompting.&nbsp;<h2>Designed for Today’s Parents</h2>Modern parents face challenges that previous generations did not. Increased screen time, reduced physical activity, shorter attention spans and lingering social effects from the post-pandemic years have reshaped childhood.&nbsp;KidStrong was designed with those concerns in mind. Classes provide routine and structure without rigidity. Activities are engaging without relying on screens. Skills taught are practical, transferable and relevant to daily life. Parents are also integrated into the experience, with visibility into their child’s progress and a clear understanding of what each class is designed to accomplish.This intentionality resonates with families who want more than another extracurricular. They want a program that supports their child’s growth in a measurable, thoughtful way.<h2>Filling the Gap That Traditional Programs Leave Behind</h2>Youth sports, gyms and play spaces still have a role in childhood. But they often leave critical gaps unaddressed, particularly for younger children who need structure, repetition and confidence-building more than competition or specialization.KidStrong fills that gap by operating in a category of its own. It is a child development program built around science-based principles, delivered through a consistent system and focused on outcomes that matter long after childhood.As parents continue to seek intentional, research-informed solutions for their kids, KidStrong’s approach reflects a broader shift in how families define success. It’s a shift away from trophies and performance and toward confidence, capability and readiness for life.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong.</a>&nbsp;

What Makes a KidStrong Franchise Different From Other Children’s Programming

KidStrong's structured, confidence-first approach is redefining kids' development beyond sports prep or indoor playgrounds

What Makes a KidStrong Franchise Different From Other Children's Programming

what-makes-a-kidstrong-franchise-different-from-other-childrens-programming

As demand for structured youth fitness continues to grow,&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a> has entered 2026 with momentum that few children’s concepts can match. From strong system health to new revenue-driving programs, the brand has positioned itself for its next phase of expansion.&nbsp;Here are the five reasons prospective owners are choosing to invest now.<h2>1. A Healthy, Profitable Franchise System That Owners Are Doubling Down On</h2>One of the clearest indicators of franchise health is what existing owners do next. In KidStrong’s case, they are signing leases and buying more territory.“The fact that franchisees are signing leases tells me the entire system is very healthy,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90">Joshua Patrick,</a> senior vice president of franchise development. “They don’t sign leases if they’re not making money. If they’re not feeling supported, if they’re not happy with the franchisor, they will not sign additional leases.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> closed out 2025 with 148 licenses sold in the year, including 27 licenses purchased by franchisees who already own locations and chose to grow further within the system.<h2>2. Strong Retention Driven by Weekly Programming Innovation</h2>Retention is one of the biggest profit drivers in membership-based businesses, and KidStrong has made it a central focus. By updating its programming weekly, the brand was able to keep classes fresh for families without losing the repetition kids need to build skills.“We changed our programming weekly, but still gave kids the reps they need,” Patrick said. “Our churn almost immediately dropped by about two points, which had a huge financial impact for franchise partners.”Additional enhancements, including showcase weeks, milestone rewards and in-center leaderboards, have further strengthened engagement and encouraged consistent attendance.<h2>3. Built for Multi-Unit Ownership With Actionable Data</h2>KidStrong’s franchise base is largely made up of multi-unit developers, and the brand has invested heavily in tools that support scale. A centralized data warehouse allows owners to view KPIs across individual locations and entire portfolios.“One of the biggest points that gets easily missed in a franchise system is data,” Patrick said. “As a multi-unit operator, do I have a place where I can go in and see my reports and the KPIs I need on a portfolio basis and an individual basis? We pulled all of our data together so franchisees can drive action off the numbers that matter.”Franchisees can benchmark performance across the system, with field business coaches using the same data to support operations.<h2>4. Real Estate and Marketing Support That Removes Guesswork</h2>The brand works directly with franchisees on site selection and marketing, offering AI-supported real estate analysis and hands-on support from its real estate and construction team.“Franchisees can send an address to an email and within seven minutes they have a full custom KidStrong report,” Patrick said. “It’s not just a demographic report. It includes the leading things we look at because we don’t just look at kid counts and income.”On the marketing side, KidStrong runs digital campaigns at the corporate level using systemwide data to drive lead generation. Individual locations typically see hundreds of leads each month, while franchisees focus on local, grassroots efforts in their communities.<h2>5. New Growth Levers Expanding the Addressable Market</h2>Looking ahead, KidStrong is unlocking additional growth through format innovation and new programming. A smaller, one-floor prototype is being tested to reduce build-out costs and open the model to underserved markets.“If we’re successful, we could open up another 200 to 300 markets in the U.S. alone,” Patrick said.The rollout of BabyStrong adds a new membership option for pre-walking children, helping centers better use morning hours and easing families into the core KidStrong program.<h2>Why 2026 Is the Right Moment</h2>With franchisees reinvesting in the system, better retention and a focused real estate strategy, KidStrong is heading into 2026 with solid momentum. For entrepreneurs looking at youth fitness, the timing to enter the system is right.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong.">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong.</a>&nbsp;

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a KidStrong Franchise in 2026

KidStrong’s combination of franchisee reinvestment, retention gains and disciplined expansion strategy has positioned the brand for continued growth in 2026.

top-5-reasons-to-buy-a-kidstrong-franchise-in-2026

<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based child development franchise helping kids grow stronger and more confident, character and strength, is targeting Utah for franchise development. With one location currently open in South Jordan, the rest of the state is largely untapped.&nbsp;“Utah really lines up with who we serve,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90/">Josh Patrick</a>, senior vice president of franchise development. “You have a large and growing base of young families, and that creates steady demand for a program like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a>.”<a href="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/06/young-old-counties.html">Utah is the youngest state in the country</a>, with a median age of 32.4 years. Not only that, but Utah leads the country in birth rates. These population trends closely align with KidStrong’s core customer base: families with young children.Much of the whitespace is concentrated along the Wasatch Front, where cities like Salt Lake City, Provo and surrounding communities form a dense and connected corridor.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksl.com/article/51420504/utahs-growth-experienced-a-significant-shift-in-2025-these-were-the-fastest-growing-counties">Utah County</a> alone added nearly 16,000 new residents in 2025, more than any other county in the state.​That setup enables more efficient expansion and a stronger market presence for KidStrong.&nbsp;“The Wasatch Front gives operators the ability to grow in a connected way,” Patrick said. “You can open in one community and build into the next, which makes it a strong market for multi-unit development.”That proximity makes it easier to build brand awareness and operate multiple locations within a single region.<h2>How KidStrong Fills a Need in the Market</h2>While the population continues to grow, access to structured, high-quality youth programming has not kept pace in many of these areas. Families are looking for options that go beyond traditional activities, especially those that combine physical and cognitive development.“In a lot of these communities, families are already looking for something like KidStrong,” Patrick said. “There just aren’t enough options yet, which gives early operators a real opportunity to establish themselves.”KidStrong’s model is built around weekly, coach-led classes that focus on strength, confidence and overall development. Families attend on a recurring basis, which creates consistency for both the child and the business while building long-term engagement.That combination of a structured curriculum and a recurring membership model helps locations build a reliable base of families early on.<h2>Whitespace and Growth Markets</h2>KidStrong franchise owner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellepointer/">Dani Pointer</a> was among the first to recognize the opportunity in Utah. With a background in accounting, business management and sales, she recognized that Utah County was the fastest-growing county in the state. She also saw that KidStrong had just one location in Utah and decided to act on it.&nbsp;She is now part of only the second group of franchise owners to bring KidStrong to the state, backed by a business partner who has opened multiple KidStrong locations and other franchise concepts across several markets.&nbsp;"There's a great playbook at KidStrong,” she said. “They have such a strong program, great research and a great team at HQ. Not having to start from the ground up is amazing."&nbsp;With only one location currently operating, there is still significant room to expand across key markets such as Salt Lake City, Bountiful, Layton and South Ogden. Each new location serves as a local hub for families while helping establish the brand across the region.<h2>Why Now Is the Time to Invest</h2>Entering a market at this stage allows operators to secure strong territories and build early momentum as demand continues to grow.“Markets like Utah don’t stay open for long,” Patrick said. “There’s still room right now, and the operators who move early have a chance to build a strong presence as the market continues to develop.”With strong fundamentals already in place, Utah is positioned to play a meaningful role in the brand’s next phase of growth.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.

image of kidstrong growing in utah franchise growth opportunity

With one location open and plenty of whitespace across the state, Utah is shaping up as a strong growth market where KidStrong can expand alongside one of the youngest populations in the country.

KidStrong Targets Utah for Growth as Demand From Young Families Continues to Rise

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<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based child development franchise helping kids grow stronger and more confident, character and strength, is targeting Colorado for growth. With locations open in Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Parker and Fort Collins, the franchise has established an early presence but still sees significant room for expansion.“Colorado checks a lot of boxes for us,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90/">Josh Patrick</a>, senior vice president of franchise development. “You have strong population growth, high-income communities and parents who are very intentional about the programs they choose for their kids.”Much of that growth is concentrated along the Front Range, where cities like Denver, Boulder and surrounding communities form a connected stretch of high-density, family-oriented markets. The region continues to attract young professionals who are settling down, starting families and putting down long-term roots.“The Front Range is a great setup for multi-unit operators,” Patrick said. “You can grow within a defined region, build awareness across neighboring communities and scale in a way that’s efficient.”That environment creates strong demand for structured, premium youth programming.<h2>How KidStrong Meets Market Demand</h2>Families across Colorado are already investing in health, wellness and development, both for themselves and their children. That mindset can carry over into how they evaluate activities, with many looking for programs that go beyond traditional sports or one-time classes.“In Colorado, you have parents who value an active lifestyle and want that for their kids as well,” Patrick said. “They’re looking for something that builds confidence, supports development and gives their kids a foundation they can carry forward.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong’s</a> model is built around weekly, coach-led classes that focus on strength, confidence and overall development. Families attend regularly, creating consistency for both the child and the business while fostering long-term engagement.That consistency, paired with a structured curriculum, allows locations to build a strong and reliable membership base over time.<h2>Why Now Is the Time to Invest</h2>Colorado has plenty of space for growth, particularly across key markets such as Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, Arvada, Longmont and Greeley. While the brand has an early foothold, there is still room to grow across these high-demand areas. KidStrong has already shown it can perform in the state, and strong territories are still available.“Colorado is still in a position where you can get in and build something meaningful,” Patrick said. “There’s demand, there’s growth and there’s a path to scale.”With strong population trends, engaged parent communities and a lifestyle that aligns with the brand, Colorado is positioned to play an important role in KidStrong’s continued growth.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.

image of kidstrong colorado franchise opportunity

The franchise already has proven success in the Centennial State, but significant whitespace remains as Colorado’s population of young families continues to grow.

KidStrong Targets Colorado’s Fast-Growing Front Range Markets for Growth as Family Demand Increases

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<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based child development franchise helping kids grow stronger and more confident, has identified Wisconsin as a key growth market as it prepares to expand on its current presence in Sun Prairie. While this creates a strong baseline for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> in the market, Wisconsin is still largely untapped, and there is plenty of potential for franchise owners to develop across the state, bringing a much-needed resource to families in the area.“KidStrong is in a unique position in Wisconsin,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90">Josh Patrick</a>, senior vice president of franchise development. “We have one location already up and running in the state, and brand awareness is growing. However, there’s still remarkable whitespace, and franchise owners who invest early have a long runway and an opportunity to achieve significant growth over time.”<h2>The Demand and Demographic Landscape Across Wisconsin</h2>Wisconsin is a high-potential, early-stage market with strong family communities. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/WI/PST045225#PST045225">population is steadily growing</a> across the state, with a clear emphasis on major metros like Madison, which has seen&nbsp;<a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/wisconsin/madison">over 5% growth</a> since the 2020 census.Household incomes and population growth in key corridors throughout the state align with the KidStrong model, and the concentration of family communities in Madison, Milwaukee and the Fox Valley will support long-term demand for KidStrong’s family-friendly model.“Wisconsin has the fundamentals, including the widely recognized wholesome, community-oriented Midwestern family,” Patrick said. “Our customer base is there, meaning demand exists, but market analysis has shown that there is limited penetration from competitor models in the state.”Major metros are also home to young professionals and growing families with moderate incomes. That creates a population base that either needs a resource like KidStrong now or is likely to in the coming years and can afford it.Currently, KidStrong is targeting growth in Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton and Kenosha with plans to develop multiple new locations across the state, each of which brings up to 15 job opportunities to the community.<h2>Long-Term Growth Trajectory Across Wisconsin</h2>Because KidStrong is still in its early stages in Wisconsin, new franchise owners have flexibility in their development and can truly take advantage of a long-term play.“With one location established, the KidStrong name is gaining awareness, but there is still growth potential in prime markets,” Patrick said. “New owners can tap into scalability across the state with the opportunity to build powerful multi-unit portfolios that span multiple major metros.”As franchise owners grow, they benefit from a membership-based, community-focused model that keeps families coming back week after week and creates stable, predictable revenue opportunities.Wisconsin’s steady population growth and limited competition give franchise owners a chance to enter the market early. Securing territory now allows them to grow in major metros as demand continues to build.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong.">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong.</a>&nbsp;

Photo of young child wearing KidStrong shirt, participating in KidStrong programming

KidStrong already has one location in Wisconsin, and interest from families across the state is creating more room for the brand to grow.

KidStrong Expands Across Wisconsin With Growing Demand in Key Markets

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<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based child development franchise helping kids grow stronger and more confident, is continuing its nationwide growth and has identified California as a high-potential market to support this expansion. With locations already open in Livermore, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Carlsbad, Orange, Folsom and Rocklin,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> has built brand awareness, but there is still substantial room left to scale to support consistent demand from local families.“California has exactly what we look for in a growth market,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90">Josh Patrick</a>, senior vice president of franchise development. “You have an area that has a tremendous number of families who prioritize active lifestyles and raising confident, capable kids. KidStrong checks those boxes. And, because not many competitor concepts have developed a robust presence in California, there’s a bit of a void. We’re looking to fill it.”<h2>Proof of Concept and High-Demand Demographics</h2>KidStrong’s existing presence in the California market has set a strong baseline for its growth in the state. People know KidStrong. They know its model and benefits, and they understand how it aligns with their goals for their kids and families. However, KidStrong’s market penetration is not yet to the point where it can serve every family that is a fit. There is notable whitespace and unmet demand.“We already have a location on the northern side of San Diego that does very well,” Patrick said. “We’ve seen the proof of concept here, and the data tells us this market is ready for massive expansion. From Los Angeles down to San Diego, we are likely looking at an opportunity for about 60 locations.”Market awareness and existing demand are strong indicators for a bright future in California, and specific population demographics only bolster the opportunity.The greater Los Angeles area, for example, is home to about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/815161/los-angeles-metro-area-population/?srsltid=AfmBOopnS8l0SrJLxQr5eWW-gqTk1STaw7jVq-7D-64JJq0ISqZm8Ebs">13 million people</a>. San Diego’s North County is one of the fastest-growing family markets on the West Coast. Young families building their lives recognize key California communities as top places to raise a family, and they’re developing accordingly. Better yet, with earnings&nbsp;<a href="https://labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/data/top-statistics.html">consistently rising</a> across the state, many of these families have both the desire and the resources necessary to invest in regular enrichment activities for their kids.<h2>Current Markets of Focus</h2>While KidStrong has the potential to grow across the state, the leadership team is currently focused on three primary markets.Los Angeles is a focus because of its size and makeup. As the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Whats-the-largest-US-city-by-population">second-largest city in the U.S.</a> and the supporter of multiple family-dense suburban communities such as Sherman Oaks and Pasadena, LA represents a strong population of families and parents more than willing to invest in their kids’ futures.San Diego, widely recognized as a family market, is home to some of California’s&nbsp;<a href="https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/these-are-the-top-15-school-districts-in-san-diego-county-according-to-niche/">highest-rated school districts</a>. It’s clear that communities in the San Diego area invest in and are committed to education, and it’s only natural that these same communities would lean into enrichment opportunities like those found at KidStrong.The Inland Empire is currently emerging as a&nbsp;<a href="https://aare.com/inland-empire-ca/">key family destination</a>. With young households putting down roots, demand is starting to outpace supply. This trend will only intensify as existing families grow and new families arrive.“While there is growth potential across the entire state, we’re not looking at California as a monolith,” Patrick said. “We’re carefully targeting growth in these specific hubs because they represent the intersection of family density and a strong emphasis on child development. Each of these three markets is in need of a model like KidStrong, and we’re looking for sophisticated partners who recognize this and are ready to meet that demand.”<h2>A High-Performance, Flexible Model</h2>As KidStrong expands, it represents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to make their mark in their communities. With a flexible real estate model that typically requires 3,000 to 4,000 square feet, KidStrong is designed to fit into the premium suburban spaces where California families live and shop.The brand's financial health further supports this growth. According to the FDD, top-performing locations exceed $1 million in annual gross revenue, representing not only an opportunity to bring a much-needed experience to local families, but also a pathway to long-term financial success for franchisees and their families.“We’re seeing steady growth in California, which to me is a testament to the health of the model,” Patrick said. “People wouldn’t be investing if they didn’t see the path to profitability and the massive whitespace that still exists. Now, we’re looking to double down on that momentum to bring dozens more KidStrong locations to family-focused communities across the state.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.&nbsp;

Photo of multiple young children wearing KidStrong shirts, participating in KidStrong activities

KidStrong sees California as a strong growth market because of its family demographics, growing interest in youth enrichment and established brand awareness in the state.

KidStrong Identifies California as Key Growth Market

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For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-torres-71129a/">Manuel Torres</a>, franchising has never been about chasing trends. It has been about finding systems that work, building strong teams and scaling with discipline.“I’ve always been an entrepreneur,” Torres said. “I looked at different businesses and, at some point, did a restaurant. I discovered that it’s very hard to do your own thing. When I found&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-orangetheory-fitness-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721213">Orangetheory</a>, I saw that it was so much easier to follow the processes and the proven concept that, obviously, the franchisor has put together.”That lesson — trust the system, execute with consistency — became the foundation of his multi-unit approach. After building within Orangetheory Fitness, Torres began looking for his next scalable opportunity. He found it in&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, a children’s fitness and enrichment concept that blends physical activity with brain and character development.“I was very impressed with the purpose of it,” Torres said. “What resonated the most for me, similar to Orangetheory, is that it is a purposeful concept, meaning that it has substance, a benefit, a nice outcome that helps people.”The concept hit home personally. At the time, his children were squarely in&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong’s</a> target age range.“The concept spoke to me loudly in terms of what it was intended to do,” he said. “Obviously, kids want physical activity, and there are other places they can do that. But I think combining the brain and character development component, I felt that was not only beneficial to an individual family, but truly — and this is not exaggerating — it’s beneficial for communities.”<h2>Scaling Across Markets</h2>Today, Torres operates KidStrong locations in Indianapolis and Seattle, with development underway in Texas. His expansion model mirrors his fitness playbook: leverage trusted leadership, empower operating partners and select markets with precision.One of his first KidStrong opportunities came in Indianapolis, where a longtime team member relocated to launch the brand. Soon after, he repeated the model in Seattle.“Similarly to Indianapolis, I had people who had worked with me for a long time who were from Seattle,” Torres said. “I made them the same deal, it worked, and they moved. Now we have three locations there, and those three locations are exploding.”Geography matters, but demographics matter more. Torres relies heavily on data and disciplined site selection.“With my experience in the other concepts, I know demographic information is the key,” he said. “You have to make sure it has the household income that would be conducive to spending the money that is needed for kids … and it has to be a location that has families with certain niche groups.”He also weighs growth patterns and future trends. “You want to see that young families are moving to the area and it’s not going to be something more for retirement,” he said.Real estate discipline remains central to his philosophy. “The most essential, important thing is to find the right location,” Torres said. “You want to grow, but it has to be the right location, not just open because you want more. You have to open because it’s the prime location.”<h2>Why Kids Fitness, Why Now</h2>Torres believes the children’s fitness category is positioned for long-term growth, driven by cultural shifts around screen time and structured development.“Nowadays, people are in electronics and not very active, with the sedentary aspect of our lives,” he said. “With electronics and how things are, it’s kind of coming back to the basics of physical activity — get active. People want that. It’s coming back full circle.”KidStrong’s structured programming fills a gap many parents feel but struggle to address on their own.“I think activity and development and learning outside of the household is indirectly in parents’ brains,” Torres said. “They’re thinking, ‘I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what my kid can do that is different.’”For Torres, the opportunity is both scalable and meaningful. As he continues to expand in Seattle and evaluate additional growth in Texas, his strategy remains clear: disciplined development, strong operators and a concept with purpose.“This concept, in my view, has been very rewarding,” he said. “I strongly believe it benefits communities, not just a few families.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.

Photo of KidStrong franchisee Manuel Torres

An operating partner behind franchises like KidStrong and Orangetheory Fitness, Torres shares his expansion strategy and why children’s fitness is the next frontier for operators with scale.

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-pedatella-91845163/">Joe Pedatella</a>, who already operates 18&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a> locations across New Jersey, Connecticut and New York, has signed a larger development agreement with the science-based youth enrichment franchise. He plans to open four new centers per year, making him the brand’s largest developer.“<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> is at an inflection point where brand awareness, consumer demand and operational maturity are aligning,” Pedatella said. “The concept has moved beyond early adoption into broader market validation, while still having significant whitespace for growth. From an operator standpoint, we now have the infrastructure, leadership bench and data to scale efficiently.”&nbsp;Before entering youth enrichment, Pedatella spent decades building a fitness business centered on families and community. He currently owns and operates Spa 23 Fitness and Lifestyle, a 40,000-square-foot, family-oriented health club in New Jersey offering everything from CrossFit and yoga to swim school, summer camp, massage and a dedicated kids zone. He began his career there in 1998 as a fitness department employee and worked his way up to ownership, steadily expanding the business into a collection of boutique offerings under one roof.That background helped set the stage for this development agreement. The confidence to expand at this scale comes from consistency across his existing portfolio.“We’ve seen repeatable unit economics driven by strong membership retention, stable lifetime value and improving operational margins as locations mature,” Pedatella said. “We now operate with standardized management roles, training systems and operational playbooks that allow performance to be replicated rather than reinvented. When outcomes become predictable across several units, expansion becomes a disciplined scaling decision rather than a risk-based one.”<h2>Scaling With Intent, Not Speed</h2>Even as his footprint grows, Pedatella said the goal has never been to chase unit count. For him, expansion starts with building the infrastructure to support what comes next — staffing, systems, leadership development and culture — before adding new locations.“We always look at it this way,” he said. “If we have five centers, we build it like we’re going to have 25. If we’re at 15, we build it like we’re going to have 100.”That approach shows up most clearly in how he hires and develops leaders. Pedatella prioritizes getting the right people in place early, then simplifying the operating rhythm with repeatable processes that can scale without adding chaos.“Organization comes first,” he said. “Then SOPs you can scale quickly. But none of it works if you don’t have the right people.”Rather than taking a top-down approach, Pedatella involves his leadership team in growth decisions and future planning, creating shared ownership in the expansion process.<h2>Why the Tri-State Region Works</h2>For Pedatella, the opportunity comes down to fit — the kind of suburban, family-heavy communities where parents are already investing in enrichment programs.“The tri-state region benefits from strong demographics aligned with KidStrong’s core customer: family-dense suburbs with high education engagement and parents prioritizing developmental enrichment for their children,” he said.&nbsp;Operationally, the close geography supports more efficient oversight through shared leadership, regional training, marketing efficiencies and cross-location staffing support. Concentrating openings in nearby markets also strengthens brand presence: each new location builds awareness and reduces customer-acquisition friction in surrounding areas.<h2>A Model Built for Scale</h2>Pedatella points to KidStrong’s centralized programming and operating model as one of the brand’s biggest advantages.“Because curriculum, training methodology and customer experience standards are developed centrally, operators can focus on execution rather than content creation,” he said. “This reduces operational variability and ensures consistency across locations.”As his unit count grows, he says complexity does not rise at the same pace. Instead, business becomes more efficient because every location runs on the same proven framework.<h2>The KPIs Behind Disciplined Expansion</h2>With a long-term roadmap in place, Pedatella doesn’t rush openings. Instead, the team watches how quickly membership builds, how well retention holds and how long each center takes to settle into steady performance before moving on to the next market.They also watch leading indicators that show whether a location is truly stable — presale conversion, trial-to-member conversion and whether staffing is in place early enough to deliver a consistent experience from day one.“The goal is disciplined growth, opening new units only when existing locations demonstrate predictable performance and leadership capacity is in place,” Pedatella said.With four new centers planned each year, he views the agreement as a long-term platform anchored in the same principle that has guided his career since 1998: build the people and systems first, and expansion follows.For more information about franchising with KidStrong, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/.">https://franchise.kidstrong.com/.</a>&nbsp;

With 18 locations operating - including 16 open and two in pre-sale - across NJ, CT and NY, Pedatella plans to reach 22 centers by year's end and continue opening at least four locations annually.

KidStrong Closes 2025 Strong: 40 New Centers, 50 Leases, More Runway Ahead

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