KidStrong Franchising, LLC

Southern California has no shortage of family brands fighting for attention, which is exactly why&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-southern-california-franchise-expansion-2731502" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KidStrong</a> sees it as a compelling franchise growth engine. As a youth enrichment and development concept built around coach-led classes for children, the brand fits a region that combines scale, lifestyle alignment and market dynamics that can quietly limit competition, creating what&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-southern-california-franchise-expansion-2731502" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Josh Patrick</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong’s</a> senior vice president of franchise development, describes as a rare opportunity for the concept to win.<h2>Why SoCal Fits the KidStrong Customer</h2>Patrick points first to the customer foundation: families who prioritize activity and who already build their routines around movement, outdoor time and structured commitments. “You have an area that has a tremendous amount of families,” Patrick said. “And those families prioritize active lifestyles and raising confident kids,&nbsp; both things that KidStrong checks the box on.”<h2>Real Estate Friction Creates White Space</h2>Just as important, Patrick said, is what California’s development environment does to the competitive field. Higher costs, longer permitting timelines and real estate friction can slow the pace of new concept launches. In Patrick’s view, that drag creates whitespace that KidStrong can capture with the right operators and the right real estate.“Because of some of the complexities of real estate in California, you don’t have as much competition as maybe you see in Florida and Texas,” Patrick said. “It is harder to find real estate in California. There’s no doubt. The permitting times are longer. It’s more expensive. Naturally, that has limited how many other concepts have developed out there, and it’s created a bit of a void.”<h2>Target Footprint and the Scale of Opportunity</h2>Southern California won’t reward anyone looking for a fast, frictionless opening. The process can be slower and more expensive than other regions, but the customer demand is deep, especially for operators who understand how families live, commute and choose activities close to home.Patrick said KidStrong’s growth plan spans the full Southern California corridor, with opportunity across major population centers. “Pretty much from Orange County — really I’d say L.A. down to San Diego — the whole strip,” he said. “We’ll be opening units in all of those markets.”At maturity, he believes the opportunity is meaningful even within a single county footprint. “From Los Angeles to San Diego, we’re probably looking at about 60 locations,” Patrick said.<h2>The Operator Profile That Wins in SoCal</h2>KidStrong’s approach hinges on a local-ownership posture, especially in markets where consumers can quickly tune out brands that feel distant or overly corporate. In Patrick’s view, the strongest Southern California operators are the ones who already know how families move through their communities and how to translate that knowledge into visibility and trust.“They need to be somebody that knows where the families are, where people shop and how they behave in that community,” Patrick said. “They know what type of events are going on. Somebody that’s going to build community, because that’s what’s going to be successful in that market, versus it just feeling like some corporate name brand coming in to develop. We want it to feel locally owned.”<h2>Franchise Owner Validation and What’s Different Now</h2>KidStrong’s confidence in the region is reinforced by franchise owner validation, including perspectives from owners actively working through today’s California environment. Patrick said the operators opening now provide the clearest read on what it takes to succeed, in part because conditions have shifted since earlier expansion waves.“We’ve got a few existing owners in Southern California that are validating, but really the ones I’m excited about are the new ones that are opening up there,” Patrick said. “Things have changed so drastically since 2021 and 2022. The permitting is tough, the costs are different, a lot of things that franchise owners need to be aware of, and it’s good for them to hear that from the people that are currently going through it.”<h2>Advice for Prospective Franchise Owners</h2>Patrick’s guidance to prospective franchise owners is straightforward: expect variability, budget for complexity and stay flexible on timelines. “Be flexible — from a timeline standpoint, from a cost standpoint,” he said. “Sometimes you have to do earthquake studies and things that you just don’t have to do in other places.”KidStrong is leaning into Southern California because families are active, the market is huge and demand tends to hold. The approvals can take longer and the build can cost more, but that also thins out the field. For the right operator, Patrick said, it’s worth the grind. “You are in a great part of the world that is going to do really well,” he said. “You’ve got to be patient with it, and we’ll get there eventually.”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>.

KidStrong Franchise - Southern California Target Market - 1851 Franchise

KidStrong Targets Southern California for Growth: What Franchise Owners Need to Know

1851 Franchise

KidStrong’s SVP of franchise development Josh Patrick explains why Southern California’s active, family-focused culture and dense suburban markets make it a top growth region for new franchise owners.

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

Inside KidStrong’s SoCal Expansion Strategy: A Market Built for Youth Fitness

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<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">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/">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">www.kidstrong.com</a>.

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

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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

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

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As&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based child development franchise helping kids grow stronger, smarter and more confident, continues its rapid national expansion, one market stands out as a prime opportunity for growth: San Diego, California.&nbsp;“California in itself is just an economic powerhouse,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90">Josh Patrick</a>, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at KidStrong. “You have some of the most densely populated areas with active families. The median age of San Diego is around 35 years old, which is our target customer.”&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">KidStrong</a> already operates six locations across California, with eight more in development throughout 2026. In San Diego County, the brand’s Carlsbad center has proven there’s a significant appetite for its unique blend of physical, social and cognitive training.“We have a location on the northern side of San Diego that does very well,” Patrick said. “We’re in the market and we see that potential.”&nbsp;<h2>A Strong Market Fit for KidStrong’s Mission</h2>The brand estimates up to 10 potential locations across the greater San Diego area, stretching from Oceanside down through Mission Valley, including target neighborhoods such as Encinitas, Santee and Carmel Mountain Ranch, where a new center is already under development.“The families here are health-conscious and always looking for things to do with their kids,” Patrick said. “That’s exactly where KidStrong fits in — we offer something fun, impactful and science-based .”Patrick noted that the Carmel Mountain Ranch location, led by existing franchisees and former members Gabe and Melissa Uribe, is expected to open next year. The couple had previously driven 45 minutes each way to attend classes in Carlsbad — a strong validation of the program’s value and the regional demand.<h2>Growing the KidStrong Footprint in California</h2>KidStrong’s momentum in California reflects the brand’s broader national success. The brand has experienced record-breaking growth, including&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/kidstrong-q3-growth-2025-2730649#featured">45 new franchise licenses sold in Q3 alone and 114 year-to-date</a>.&nbsp;From its roots in Kentucky to more than 170 open locations and 75,000 kids coming to class weekly, KidStrong has redefined what it means to invest in child development. The program combines physical training, character building and cognitive skill development for kids aged 1–9, led by certified coaches using a research-backed curriculum and patented equipment.“San Diego is exactly the type of market where KidStrong thrives,” Patrick said. “It’s full of engaged parents who want to help their kids develop confidence, leadership and resilience. Our centers become a hub for families who want to do something meaningful together.”<h2>A Scalable, Purpose-Driven Franchise Model</h2>With investment levels ranging from&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/franchise-deep-dive-kidstrong-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2727179">$448,100 to $600,000 and average annual revenues exceeding $1 million for top-performing centers</a>, KidStrong offers franchise partners a purpose-driven business with strong ROI potential. The brand’s efficient 3,000–4,000 square-foot model, proprietary curriculum and franchise-owner-first culture make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking both impact and income.“We could develop eight to ten locations in San Diego County,” Patrick said. “We’ve already seen proof of concept here, and the data tells us this market is ready for expansion.”As KidStrong continues to grow across North America, San Diego represents one of the most promising frontiers for the brand — a place where fitness, education and family values converge to create lasting impact for the next generation.For more information about franchising with KidStrong, visit<a href="https://www.kidstrongfranchise.com">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">https://franchise.kidstrong.com/</a>&nbsp;

Why KidStrong is Targeting San Diego for Franchise Growth

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FRISCO, Texas&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based child development franchise helping kids grow stronger and more confident, has been named to Entrepreneur’s prestigious&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Franchise 500® ranking for 2026</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> earned the No. 96 spot overall and was recognized as the No. 1 franchise in Children’s Fitness (Misc) for the second year in a row, underscoring the brand’s momentum, stability and long-term potential.The ranking caps a milestone year for KidStrong, which opened 40 new locations in 2025, bringing its science-based program to dozens of additional communities. The brand also recently signed its 500th franchise agreement, a significant business benchmark that reflects both franchise owner demand and confidence in KidStrong’s model.“For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year’s ranking proves that the best brands don’t just survive changing markets; they thrive in them,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonfeifer/">Jason Feifer</a>, Entrepreneur’s editor in chief. “These 500 companies represent some of the most reliable pathways to business ownership in America, each one vetted through our rigorous analysis of what actually drives franchise owner success.”For KidStrong co-founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsharp321go/">Matt Sharp</a>, the recognition is deeply personal.“When we started KidStrong, we weren’t trying to build a national business,” Sharp said. “We were parents who wanted to help our daughter become stronger and more confident. What began as a small class in the back of a gym has become a movement that’s now reaching families across the country. Being recognized by Entrepreneur affirms that we’ve built something that delivers both real impact for kids and a meaningful opportunity for business owners.”KidStrong was designed for children walking through 11, which are some of the most important developmental years. Its proprietary curriculum blends physical training with cognitive and social-emotional development, helping kids build balance, strength and coordination alongside public speaking, teamwork and confidence. Every class is rooted in science and wrapped in play, creating an experience both kids and parents love.That differentiation has fueled success for franchise owners. KidStrong’s membership-based model drives recurring revenue and strong retention, as parents don’t view KidStrong as “just another activity.” They see it as an investment in their child’s future. That mindset creates predictable, durable businesses for franchise owners, along with packed classes, birthday parties, seasonal and summer camps. The brand’s focus on systems, technology and culture enables franchise owners to scale quickly without sacrificing quality.“KidStrong has been built like a modern growth company,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90/">Josh Patrick</a>, senior vice president of franchise development. “We’ve invested early in the infrastructure, training and support that allow our owners to open strong and reach profitability quickly. Hitting our 500th franchise agreement is a powerful signal that entrepreneurs see both the mission and the business case behind this brand.”As KidStrong continues its expansion across the United States and Canada, the company is focused on partnering with operators who share its dual commitment to purpose and performance.“The best owners care deeply about kids and know how to run a great business,” Sharp said. “When those two things come together, the results are extraordinary—for families, for communities and for our franchise owners.”With a clear path to more than 500 locations, KidStrong remains early in its growth journey. What will not change is its focus: protecting the culture, supporting franchise owners and helping millions of kids discover what they’re capable of.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 US &amp; Canada. For more information, visit<a href="http://www.kidstrong.com">&nbsp;www.kidstrong.com</a>.

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KidStrong Named to Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, Ranks No. 1 in Children’s Fitness (Misc) and Celebrates 500th Franchise Agreement

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Inside KidStrong’s SoCal Expansion Strategy: A Market Built for Youth Fitness

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