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

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

The Bar Method

key competitors in the

Fitness Studios

sector.

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

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.

Access the most comprehensive franchise database

For franchisees

Find the best franchises to invest into

For franchisors

Compare your brand to competitors

Upgrade to Pro to get access to:
Total investment

?

Revenue (AUV)

?

Revenue growth (last 3 years)

?

Profit margin

?

Franchise Disclosure Documents
Advanced filtering and sorting
Watchlist

?

Priority support

?

See our plans

A comprehensive and transparent look at franchising finances. The inclusion of profit margins and disclosure documents offers insights you can’t find elsewhere. Essential for anyone considering a franchise investment.

Darren M.

Franchisee

Been waiting for years for this. All the most important franchises and their latest Franchise Documents to download. The team also updates the franchises very quickly.

Emily V.

Franchisee

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

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