Create a free account to access this table
Sign up for free
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
2,500+ franchises
Access our entire database: 2,500+ US franchises, updated every day
Essential financial data
Royalty fees, franchise fees, investment costs and more
View 1 FDD
Our free plan allows you to access 1 FDD. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to download

The Bar Method Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Barre fitness studio franchise offering classes that combine elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga for a low-impact, full-body workout.

Founded in 2001 by Burr Leonard in San Francisco, California, The Bar Method has grown into a distinguished fitness franchise with over 75 studios across the United States and Canada.

Headquartered in Woodbury, Minnesota, the company began franchising in 2008, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to bring its unique workout methodology to diverse communities.

The Bar Method specializes in barre-based fitness classes that integrate elements of Pilates, yoga, and strength training into ballet-inspired workouts. This approach utilizes isometric exercises and low-impact movements to target specific muscle groups, promoting flexibility, total-body definition, and enhanced endurance.

What sets The Bar Method apart is its commitment to science-based techniques and personalized instruction. Instructors undergo rigorous training to deliver precise guidance, fostering a supportive and empowering environment.

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$42,500
Franchisee Training, Travel & Living Expenses$1,260 – $9,240
Leasehold Improvements$129,300 – $214,500
3 Months’ Rent + security deposit$21,375 – $32,775
Construction Management Fees & Site Survey$0 – $15,300
Office Supplies$2,000 – $3,200
Grand Opening Program$16,200 – $25,000
Architect/Design Fees$13,750 – $24,225
Initial Fitness Equipment$7,900 – $9,700
Furniture, Fixtures & Millwork$22,371 – $32,613
Technology Package and Licenses$14,648 – $23,739
Interior and Exterior Signage$19,200 – $25,550
Initial Retail Inventory (Retail Package)$2,300 – $3,550
Insurance & Bonds$2,700 – $3,550
Miscellaneous Expenses$2,900 – $12,990
Additional funds – 3 months$5,900 – $32,800
Total estimated initial investment$304,304 – $511,232
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial franchise fee$42,500
Franchisee Training, Travel & Living Expenses$1,260 – $9,240
Leasehold Improvements$129,300 – $214,500
3 Months’ Rent + security deposit$21,375 – $32,775
Construction Management Fees & Site Survey$0 – $15,300
Office Supplies$2,000 – $3,200
Grand Opening Program$16,200 – $25,000
Architect/Design Fees$13,750 – $24,225
Initial Fitness Equipment$7,900 – $9,700
Furniture, Fixtures & Millwork$22,371 – $32,613
Technology Package and Licenses$14,648 – $23,739
Interior and Exterior Signage$19,200 – $25,550
Initial Retail Inventory (Retail Package)$2,300 – $3,550
Insurance & Bonds$2,700 – $3,550
Miscellaneous Expenses$2,900 – $12,990
Additional funds – 3 months$5,900 – $32,800
Total estimated initial investment$304,304 – $511,232

The Bar Method

2025

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The Bar Method franchise provides a comprehensive training program for its franchisees. Initially, the "Principal Operator" designated by the franchisee must attend the New Owner Training Program. This program may be conducted virtually or in-person at the franchisor’s designated location.

The training includes both classroom and on-the-job components, covering key areas such as marketing, sales, and operations. Franchisees may also be required to complete a Teacher Training program, where at least three teachers (including the owner if applicable) must be certified Bar Method instructors before the studio opens.

In addition to the initial training, ongoing training is available to ensure that franchisees and their teams stay up-to-date with the franchise system's changes and updates. The franchisor may offer workshops, coaching, and additional evaluations as needed.

These services are provided at the franchisee’s expense, and the costs vary depending on the nature and extent of the training required. Franchisees can also request further assistance for specific needs, such as operations or customer experience training.

Territory Protection

The Bar Method franchise provides territory protection by designating a "protected territory" around the franchisee's studio, typically covering up to 50,000 people. This area is determined using demographic data and natural boundaries, and no other Bar Method studio can open within it during the franchise agreement.

While territories may overlap, no other studio can physically operate in another franchisee's protected zone. Upon renewal, the franchisor may reassess and adjust the territory based on updated demographics and guidelines.

Competitors

Below are some of

The Bar Method

key competitors in the

Fitness Studios

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

73

New
+
-3%
-3%

$42,500

$304,000

$511,000

n.a.

$353,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Oxygen Yoga & Fitness

Oxygen Yoga & Fitness is a boutique fitness franchise offering infrared-heated yoga, barre, and functional training classes, serving primarily women seeking low-impact yet challenging workouts, and known for heated studios, diverse class formats, flexible memberships, and supportive, community-driven environments.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$356,000 - $642,000

Neighborhood Barre

Neighborhood Barre is a boutique fitness franchise offering low-impact barre classes and related retail, serving women and mixed-level fitness clients, and known for inclusive studios, proprietary choreography, and full-body workouts blending strength, cardio, and flexibility to deliver quick, sustainable results.

Franchisees

?

19
+
-5%
-5%
Investment

?

$94,000 - $266,000

IM=X Pilates

IM=X Pilates is a boutique fitness franchise offering Pilates-based, cardio and strength workouts in studio settings, serving health-conscious adults across fitness levels, and known for its proprietary IM=X method, proprietary reformer equipment, and tuition-free staff training and support.

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

Our latest newsletters

Franchising 101

Is This Franchise the Right Fit for You?

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Choosing a franchise goes beyond reviewing fees and financials — it requires an honest assessment of your goals, skills, and risk tolerance. This article outlines the key questions prospective owners should ask before committing. It helps clarify whether the opportunity aligns with your lifestyle, long-term plans, and operational preferences.

Franchisee Validation: Interviews, Reference Checking, Site Visits

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Speaking with current and former franchisees is one of the most reliable ways to understand how a franchise really operates. This guide explains how to conduct validation calls, what questions to ask, and how to identify patterns in feedback. It provides a practical framework for uncovering real performance expectations and support quality.

How to Evaluate a Franchise Opportunity (Industry, Brand Strength, Market Fit)

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Not all franchise opportunities offer the same potential. This article breaks down how to evaluate a brand’s industry, financial health, support systems, and competitive positioning. It helps prospective buyers compare options and identify franchises with strong long-term viability.

Building a Franchise Business Plan & Pro Forma Financials

December 15, 2025
Costs, Fees and Financing

A clear, well-structured business plan is essential for securing financing and preparing for the realities of franchise ownership. This article explains how to build a plan that covers market analysis, operations, staffing, and local marketing. It also outlines how to create realistic pro forma financials, including revenue projections, startup costs, and break-even analysis. Readers gain a practical framework they can use when applying for loans or planning their first years of operations.