Planet Fitness vs CityRow Fitness Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Planet Fitness vs CityRow Fitness including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Planet Fitness Franchise
CityRow Fitness Franchise
Investment $968,100 - $4,113,000$253,843 - $609,574
Franchise Fee $20,000N/A
Royalty Fee 7% of Gross Membership Fees-
Advertising Fee 9%-
Year Founded 19922018
Year Franchised 20032018
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Planet Fitness Franchise
CityRow Fitness Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Planet Fitness Franchise
CityRow Fitness Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/No-/-
Equipment No/Yes-/-
Inventory No/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support

 
Planet Fitness Franchise
CityRow Fitness Franchise
Training * Available at headquarters: 2 weeks * At franchisee's location: as needed-
Support * Newsletter * Meetings * Toll-free phone line * Grand opening * Internet * Security/safety procedures * Field operations/evaluations * Purchasing cooperatives-
Marketing * Co-op advertising * Ad slicks * Regional advertising-
Operations * 40% of all franchisees own more than one unit * Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators)-

Expansion Plans

 
Planet Fitness Franchise
CityRow Fitness Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

About Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness got its start in 1992 when Michael Grondahl acquired a struggling gym. He reduced membership prices to compete against better-known brands and focused on serving occasional or first-time gym users. Every Planet Fitness location holds a pizza night for members once a month, as well as a bagel morning, and Tootsie Rolls are available at all times.
Planet Fitness strives to promote health in a respectful atmosphere. For over a decade, Planet Fitness has gone to great lengths to provide its members with a friendly space to work out. We call it the Judgment Free Zone. We discourage weight dropping and obnoxious grunting so you can focus on your own workout and not the person next to you.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a single Planet Fitness facility ranges from $968,100 to $3,072,000 if you finance your equipment.
This includes $48,000 to $297,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
If you choose to purchase your equipment, the total investment necessary to begin operation of a single Planet Fitness facility ranges from $1,500,000 to $4,113,000.
This includes $295,000 to $912,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
These estimated initial investment ranges also apply to each location that you develop under the Area Development Agreement (plus the Area Development Fee you pay at the time you sign the Area Development Agreement). If you sign an Area Development Agreement, you must develop one or more Planet Fitness facilities, and you will pay an Area Development Fee of $10,000 per planned location (paid in full when you sign the Area Development Agreement) in addition to the then-current initial franchise fee due for each location at the time the Franchise Agreement for that location is signed.

"Entrepreneur

#7 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#8 in Franchise 500 for 2021.






About CityRow Fitness

"CityRow

Trendy workouts are everywhere - but only the best alter the fitness landscape for good.

Row,row,row your franchise'

Today’s consumer is seeking tailored services that cater to their individual needs, not to the masses. Boutique fitness is replacing crowded, intimidating gyms. It’s changing the way people get fit with effective, hard-hitting workouts that are also a whole lot of fun. The CityRow concept was tested and perfected in New York’s fiercely competitive market. Every aspect, from studio design to instructor training to member retention, has been refined so that you can hit the ground running. Backed by Franworth - the premier franchise development company - CityRow’s proven business model is poised to win markets from coast to coast. Be first in your region with this killer concept and become the breakout brand.

We are looking for franchisees who want to take control of their financial and professional future. Our best franchisees are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get connected to their community. This is a people business first and foremost, so our focus is on the guest experience! Our goal is to make the process of opening a CityRow Studio as easy for you as possible. We will take you through our Discovery Process to ensure that all of your questions are answered and that there is a good mutual fit. You can count on us here at CityRow - we want to see our franchisees succeed.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of one CityRow Fitness Facility is $253,843 to $460,074. This includes $83,927 to $90,985 that must be paid to the franchisor.
The total investment necessary to begin operation as a developer under an Area Development Agreement is $303,843 to 510,074 (3 - CityRow Fitness Facilities) and $403,343 to $609,574 (5 - CityRow Fitness Facilities). The area development fee applicable to each CityRow Fitness Facility will be credited toward the initial franchise fee due under the Franchise Agreement for each CityRow Fitness Facility. To qualify for an Area Development Agreement, you must agree to develop two or more Fitness Facilities.