Franchise Deep Dive: The Little Gym’s Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: October 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.thelittlegymfranchise.com/

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS:  400+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN:  $465,250 to $637,000

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $995,185 (Average 2022 Gross Sales)

The Little Gym is a children's gym franchise offering activities for kids, including parent/child classes, kids dance, gymnastics, sports skills and karate.

How Many The Little Gym Locations Are There?

The Little Gym came from an idea of Robin Wes who wanted to do something significant for children. Wes, a musician, former gymnast and kinesiologist, created The Little Gym concept in 1976 to help children develop vital motor skills in a fun, musical and non-competitive environment. Wes envisioned a place where children could not only reap the benefits of physical activity, but enhance their social, emotional and intellectual skills. 

In 1992, the concept began franchising. By 2003, there were already over 100 locations opened in 31 states. And by 2008, there were over 300 in 25 countries around the world. Today, there are over 400 locations on six continents. 

In 2021, The Little Gym joined the Unleashed Brands portfolio. Unleashed Brands is a youth enrichment-focused parent franchisor that is also home to companies such as Class 101, Premier Martial Arts, Urban Air Adventure Park, Snapology and XP League.  

What Is The Little Gym’s Business Model?

The Little Gym offers a diverse range of programs that include music, movement and learning. Age-appropriate curriculum facilitates ongoing skill development through a system called three-dimensional learning. This approach uses physical activity as a conduit for learning and includes: 

• Get Moving!: Includes physical activities that develop balance and coordination, build flexibility and strength, and burn boundless energy. Also teaches healthy habits and instills the importance of overall health and fitness.
• Brain Boost!: Includes exercises that develop a love of learning and expand the mind. They also teach problem-solving skills and reinforce school lessons.
• Citizen Kid!: Helps create well-rounded and well-adjusted individuals by teaching patience, sharing, group work and listening.

Additionally, three elements that The Little Gym emphasizes in its business model are:  

• Extensive experience: Forty-five years of experience helps the brand modify and improve its model and its fitness franchise owner’s experience. As the industry changes and new opportunities present themselves, the brand will continue to modify the model and further improve the ownership experience.
• Best-in-class customer service and support: The Little Gym provides training, consulting, marketing, information technology and several other resources to maximize owners’ success. 
• Proprietary curriculum and technology: The franchise invests heavily to ensure it stays ahead of the competition and provides great experiences for franchise owners, their teams and customers. 

How Much Can The Little Gym Franchise Owners Make?

In the 2022 calendar year, annual gross revenues for top 25% of owners are as follows: 

• Average: $995,185
• Median: $890,787
• High: $1,764,931
• Low: $793,052
• Locations: 41
• % Above Average: 39%

How Much Does It Cost To Open The Little Gym?

The estimated startup costs for The Little Gym are $465,250 to $637,000. Here’s a breakdown of the associated costs: 

• Initial Franchise Fee: $59,500
• Start-Up Equipment and Inventory Package: $58,000-$75,000
• Exterior Signage: $8,000-$15,000
• Lease and Tenant Improvements: $223,650-$270,000
• Furnishings, Computer Systems, Security Surveillance System, Other Equipment and Supplies: $8,400-$22,500
• Architectural Fees: $16,700-$22,000
• Grand Opening Marketing: $20,000-$25,000
• Security Deposits and Other Prepaid Expenses: $8,000-$30,000
• Training Related Expenses: $17,500-$22,500
• Insurance Premiums: $2,500-$3,500
• Legal, Accounting and other Professional Fees: $4,000-$11,000
• Additional Funds — Three Months: $39,000-$81,000
• Total: $465,250-$637,000

What Is the Franchise Fee for The Little Gym?

The franchise fee is $59,500. 

Who Is the Leadership of The Little Gym?

• Nancy Bigley — CEO/Brand President
• Jamie Eslinger — Senior Vice President of Marketing and Integration
• Rush Robinson — Franchise Field Trainer
• Brooke Nelson — Marketing Coordinator
• Noel Mook — Franchise Business Consultant
• Leiann Wilda — Franchise Business Consultant
• Marika Zappas — Franchise Business Consultant
• Josh Barker — VP of Franchise Recruitment
• Missy Wright — Senior Director, Franchise Recruitment
• Kal Savoie — Director, Franchise Recruitment
• Patrick Knodle — VP of IT
• Sam Musonda — VP of Operations
• Amanda Scopo — Director of Training and Curriculum
• Taryn Parker — Director of Training and Curriculum
• Morgan Young — Franchise Support Specialist

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About The Little Gym?

• Start a The Little Gym Franchise in 2023
• The Little Gym Franchisees Continue to Re-Invest in 45+ Year Old Brand
• Private Equity-Backed Operator Acquires Seven The Little Gym Locations
• The Little Gym Franchisee Duo Expands Footprint in Texas with New Two-Unit Deal After Opening 6 Gyms Last Year
• The Little Gym International Celebrates One Year in Unleashed Brands Family

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