KidStrong Franchising, LLC

<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-utah-expansion-young-families-growth-2731816" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-utah-expansion-young-families-growth-2731816" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-utah-expansion-young-families-growth-2731816" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-utah-expansion-young-families-growth-2731816" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-utah-expansion-young-families-growth-2731816" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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>.

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KidStrong Expands in Utah as Demand from Young Families Grows

1851 Franchise

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.

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

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

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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

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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.

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Southern California has no shortage of family brands fighting for attention, which is exactly why&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">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/">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’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.

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

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In a youth fitness and enrichment category crowded with camps, classes and one-off programs,&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a> — the science-based youth enrichment franchise — prioritizes consistency and recurring revenue through a membership model, supported by centralized programming and systems that keep families engaged week after week.For franchise owners, that predictability matters. A membership model can smooth out seasonality, tighten cash-flow planning and create a clearer path to scaling, especially for operators building multi-unit portfolios.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90/">Josh Patrick</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong’s</a> senior vice president of franchise development, says the brand’s unit-level revenue mix starts with a simple foundation.“The largest percentage of revenue is membership,” Patrick said. “Our customer is anywhere from walking to 11 years old. We don’t differentiate the membership based on age. It’s really one membership. You can sign a longer contract for a slightly reduced price, or a month-to-month contract at a higher price point, which allows for flexibility for the member.”KidStrong’s membership base is supported by additional revenue streams that can bring in new families before they are ready to sign up and add income beyond monthly dues. Patrick says camps tied to school breaks, weekend birthday parties and Parents Night Out give owners additional ways to monetize their space while turning first-time visitors into future members.Those extra revenue streams help, but the real test is whether families stay. KidStrong takes class planning off the owner’s plate, and the quality of the coaches is what keeps families coming back month after month. The system is structured so franchise owners can hire for personality and presence, not credentials, and focus on delivering a consistent experience that keeps families coming back.“We control the class programming,” Patrick said. “We have the TVs that are in every one of the locations that we feed content into, and the programming that changes every week. So, as a franchise partner, you don’t have to worry about what class you’re running. That’s all predetermined, which really enables you to hire your coaches and your staff based on how they handle the in-person experience. Retention is almost directly tied to the quality of the coaching.”Centralized delivery also supports brand consistency, a common weak point for youth programs that rely heavily on individual instructors to design sessions. With KidStrong, Patrick says the system can spot issues early, including coach turnover, and respond through certification, coaching standards and support to protect the member experience.The brand has also leaned into tools that keep families engaged outside class time. Patrick describes an SMS platform and AI chatbot that responds when staff are off the clock, helping members reschedule, get answers quickly and avoid the kind of delays that can erode satisfaction.“That AI bot can handle that right then and there,” Patrick said. “Class has moved and that’s been handled and now the customer is happy. They feel they’re getting their money’s worth because they didn’t miss class that week, and they’re less likely to churn. People and technology in our experience have been the best way to improve retention.”For multi-unit operators, the appeal of recurring revenue grows when performance is measurable and repeatable. Patrick says KidStrong has invested in reporting and benchmarking so franchise owners can track key metrics across a portfolio, compare performance and drive action faster.“We invested heavily in a dedicated data resource in early 2025 to really start pulling all of our data together and warehousing it so franchise owners can see, across their portfolio, how they’re doing on the numbers that matter,” Patrick said. “There are also leaderboards so they can benchmark against other owners in the system.”Many youth concepts depend on periodic enrollments, seasonal spikes or inconsistent attendance. KidStrong is positioning its membership-first approach as an operational advantage that can create steadier revenue, improve lifetime value per family and give franchise owners a clearer runway to scale.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 - Recurring Revenue Model - 1851 Franchise

KidStrong’s membership model delivers steady revenue, stronger retention and clearer unit economics, giving franchise owners a durable edge in the youth fitness market.

Why KidStrong’s Recurring Revenue Model Gives Franchise Owners a Competitive Edge in the Youth Fitness Market

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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

franchise-expansion-wisconsin

<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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<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.

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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.

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

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