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

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

Iron Bodyfit

Iron Bodyfit is a fitness franchise specializing in electrostimulation workouts, offering efficient 25-minute sessions designed to improve strength, tone muscles, and boost overall wellness.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$276,000 - $535,000

Purvelo

Purvelo is a rhythm-based indoor cycling franchise that combines high-energy workouts with music-driven experiences to create an immersive fitness environment.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$356,000 - $512,000

Red Effect Infrared Fitness

Red Effect Infrared Fitness is a fitness studio franchise that incorporates infrared heat technology into workouts to enhance endurance, recovery, and calorie burn.

Franchisees

?

3
+
-63%
-63%
Investment

?

$185,000 - $278,000

Volofit

Volofit is a fitness franchise offering high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts designed to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

Franchisees

?

6
+
500%
500%
Investment

?

$399,000 - $735,000

Curves

Curves is a fitness franchise that offers 30-minute strength training and cardio workouts designed for women in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Franchisees

?

154
+
-39%
-39%
Investment

?

$72,000 - $101,000