Retro Fitness Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Gym franchise providing a full range of fitness equipment, group classes, personal training, and tanning services, offering an affordable and inclusive fitness experience.

Founded in 2004 by Eric Casaburi in Colts Neck, New Jersey, Retro Fitness has established itself as a prominent player in the fitness industry by offering affordable, high-quality gym experiences.

The company began franchising in 2006, rapidly expanding its footprint across the United States. As of 2024, Retro Fitness operates over 140 locations in 15 states, serving more than 400,000 members.

Headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, Retro Fitness provides a comprehensive fitness environment featuring state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes, personal training, and unique amenities like the Retro Blends Smoothie Bar.

Retro Fitness differentiates itself through its commitment to member experience and community engagement. The brand's distinctive retro-themed decor and focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere set it apart from competitors.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $29,000
Opening Advertising Pre-sales $30,000 to $50,000
Marketing Kit $12,000 to $15,000
Trailer Rental (if needed) $0 to $30,000
Office Supplies $1,000 to $2,000
Computer Equipment $5,000 to $7,000
Branded Key Tags $216
Opening Inventory $10,000 to $15,000
Insurance and Bond $6,000 to $24,000
Signage $24,000 to $50,000
Equipment and Furnishings $140,000 to $195,000
Prepaid Rent and Security Deposit $0 to $75,000
Lease Review Fee $2,500
Turnkey Build-Out Service Fee $20,000 to $55,000
Architectural Fees/Surveys $55,100 to $65,275
Leasehold Improvements/Fit Out $1,500,000 to $2,200,000
Utility Deposits $0 to $3,500
Licenses and Permits $500 to $30,000
Fictitious Name Registration and/or Incorporation and Legal Review $0 to $1,500
Travel, Lodging, Meals for Initial Training $0 to $3,500
Miscellaneous Start-up Costs $2,000 to $5,000
Additional Funds (for three months) $200,000 to $350,000
Total $2,037,316 to $3,241,991
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $29,000
Opening Advertising Pre-sales $30,000 to $50,000
Marketing Kit $12,000 to $15,000
Trailer Rental (if needed) $0 to $30,000
Office Supplies $1,000 to $2,000
Computer Equipment $5,000 to $7,000
Branded Key Tags $216
Opening Inventory $10,000 to $15,000
Insurance and Bond $6,000 to $24,000
Signage $24,000 to $50,000
Equipment and Furnishings $140,000 to $195,000
Prepaid Rent and Security Deposit $0 to $75,000
Lease Review Fee $2,500
Turnkey Build-Out Service Fee $20,000 to $55,000
Architectural Fees/Surveys $55,100 to $65,275
Leasehold Improvements/Fit Out $1,500,000 to $2,200,000
Utility Deposits $0 to $3,500
Licenses and Permits $500 to $30,000
Fictitious Name Registration and/or Incorporation and Legal Review $0 to $1,500
Travel, Lodging, Meals for Initial Training $0 to $3,500
Miscellaneous Start-up Costs $2,000 to $5,000
Additional Funds (for three months) $200,000 to $350,000
Total $2,037,316 to $3,241,991

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Retro Fitness provides training through a structured set of numbered programs to ensure franchisees are well-prepared for success. The main programs include:

  1. Franchisee Initial Training (F.I.T.)
    • Location: Retro Fitness Support Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, or other designated facilities.
    • Content:
      • Operations systems, tools, and resources.
      • Marketing systems and support.
      • Finance systems and tools.
      • Learning and development systems.
    • Duration: Comprehensive sessions with shadowing opportunities at certified outlets.
  2. Retro Ready Pre-Sales Training
    • Timing: Conducted prior to pre-sales activities.
    • Location: Franchisee’s facility or a Retro-approved training location.
    • Content:
      • Management operations training.
      • Member billing and CRM training.
      • Online learning through Retro University.
    • Duration: 35 hours over 5 days.
  3. Retro Ready Operations Training
    • Timing: Conducted pre-opening of the franchise.
    • Location: Franchisee’s facility or a Retro-approved training location.
    • Content:
      • Continued management and operations training.
      • Personal training overview.
      • Staff training.
    • Duration: 35 hours over 5 days.

Territory Protection

Retro Fitness does not provide exclusive territorial rights to its franchisees. Franchisees may face competition within their designated area from other franchisees, corporate-owned outlets, or competing brands controlled by the franchisor.

The franchise agreement specifies an "Approved Territory" based on a three-mile drivable distance from the approved franchise location, which is determined at the sole discretion of the franchisor.

Although the Approved Territory is established, Retro Fitness reserves the right to develop additional business concepts or locations within that area. The franchisee's rights are limited to the specific site of their outlet, and any territorial protection is subject to the terms of the franchise agreement.

Competitors

Below are some of

Retro Fitness

key competitors in the

Fitness Studios

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

81

New
+
-6%
-6%

$29,000

$2,037,000

$3,242,000

n.a.

$977,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

IM=X Pilates

Franchisees

?

37
+
23%
23%
Investment

?

$85,000 - $340,000

The Yard Gym

The Yard Gym is a functional fitness franchise offering strength, HIIT, group training, and performance programs, serving adults seeking serious results, and known for warehouse aesthetics, scalable design, and engaging training models.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$237,000 - $954,000

Vertica Fitness

Vertica Fitness is a boutique pole fitness franchise offering classes, parties, and skill training, serving fitness enthusiasts and new learners, and known for low startup cost, turnkey curriculum, and inclusive, community-driven branding.

Franchisees

?

3
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$184,000 - $312,000

SWEAT440

SWEAT440 is a boutique fitness franchise offering 40-minute HIIT and strength circuit workouts with new classes starting every 10 minutes, serving busy adults, and known for convenience, community engagement, and scalable fitness studio operations.

Franchisees

?

13
+
1200%
1200%
Investment

?

$278,000 - $681,000

Modo Yoga

Modo Yoga is a wellness franchise offering hot yoga classes, workshops, and teacher trainings, serving environmentally conscious yoga enthusiasts, and known for eco-friendly studio design, global community values, and an inclusive, supportive practice environment.

Franchisees

?

8
+
-20%
-20%
Investment

?

$463,000 - $931,000

JETSET pilates

JETSET pilates is a boutique fitness franchise offering 50-minute high-intensity, low-impact full-body workouts on custom reformer machines, serving health-conscious adults, and known for seamless transitions, DJ-curated playlists, and transformative modern Pilates experiences.

Franchisees

?

12
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$413,000 - $807,000