First-Time Franchisee Brings Positivity and Fitness to Dunwoody’s Workout Anytime

Raj Patel wants to become a positive influence within his community of Dunwoody, Georgia. Patel, a longtime Georgia resident, has had the entrepreneurial spirit for as long as he can remember. He started his own custom T-shirt design business in college and operated a liquor store in Decatur. But he wanted to reach his community through a more uplifting and inspiring endeavor, so he started searching for new business opportunities. 

During his search, he discovered Workout Anytime, the 190-unit fitness concept. Patel quickly gained an affinity for the brand and decided to purchase the location at 4494 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Although he’s still in the process of refreshing and renovating the location, Patel is hoping to re-open to the public within the next few months. 

1851 Franchise recently spoke with Patel to learn more about his story and what he hopes to accomplish with Workout Anytime. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Patel: My journey into franchising really started with a lifelong passion for business ownership. From my early days, I was constantly inspired by the people around me who ran their own businesses — from friends to distant family members. It was something I aspired to be a part of. During my college years, I started becoming more of an entrepreneur. I started a business creating customized T-shirts for fraternities and sororities. Over time, I expanded that to reach various organizations in my local community, which was a great learning experience.

After college, I made the move to Atlanta and ventured into a different business and acquired a liquor store in Decatur. I did that up until COVID hit. I finally started looking at different opportunities in early 2023, and that’s when I discovered Workout Anytime.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Patel: I was already fairly familiar with the franchising space prior to joining it. I have friends who own franchises, and I’ve always been drawn to the idea because franchise businesses have a well-established system in place that simply works. All you need to do is follow it. The appeal of having a tried-and-true method at your disposal was one of the many things that attracted me.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Patel: I had already been searching for gym ownership opportunities when I stumbled upon this particular Workout Anytime location. It piqued my interest, and I knew I had to dive deeper into it. So, I did my due diligence and conducted a lot of research. I love what the brand has to offer and the impact it allows its franchisees to have on their communities. Additionally, I learned that the Workout Anytime headquarters is based right here in Atlanta. That stood out to me because the proximity of their headquarters to my location was a comforting thought. Knowing they were just a stone’s throw away gave me a sense of reassurance that they would be readily available to provide the help and support I might need.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Patel: My goal is to grow my business and make a meaningful impact within my local community. I plan to expand my team by bringing in more fitness trainers to provide top-notch services at my location. I also have a vision of serving the senior community in our area, and I want to run senior fitness classes and tailor our offerings to as many people and ages as possible.

I want to use this opportunity to create a positive influence in my community. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about improving the well-being and quality of life of the people in our neighborhood.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Patel: I’m truly dedicated to making my business thrive and become a haven for the residents of my community. That’s what it’s all about. My ultimate goal is to create an environment where people feel not only comfortable but also genuinely welcomed when they come to work out. 

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner? 

Patel: Invest time and effort in thorough research. Study the franchise you’re interested in inside and out. Understand the industry landscape as a whole. 

ABOUT WORKOUT ANYTIME*: 

Atlanta-based Workout Anytime is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week fitness concept with 190 units across the U.S. Founded by fitness veterans John Quattrocchi and Steve Strickland, the company was formed to provide members with first-class fitness facilities at the lowest cost possible while delivering a profitable and affordable business model to franchisees. Built on the founders’ motto of “think big, keep it simple and do it with integrity.” Workout Anytime is preparing for significant expansion into new territories across the U.S. and Central America by providing opportunities to business-minded entrepreneurs. Franchise opportunities are available, and more information can be found on workoutanytimefranchise.com.