BAR METHOD
The Bar Method franchise allows operators to open fitness studios offering barre-based exercise classes using proprietary and non-proprietary techniques to provide targeted fitness training that sculpts muscles, burns fat, and improves stamina in an attractive atmosphere. Studios follow a system of strength exercises, stretches, and may offer enhanced classes incorporating elements like yoga, while also selling fitness apparel and retail items. The primary target market is women aged 25-65, though it appeals to men and women of various ages competing in the broader fitness industry including gyms, yoga, Pilates, and boutique studios.
Franchise Costs
6% royalty + 2% marketing fund + $429/mo technology fee
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: Data based on 71 franchised Bar Method Studios that were open and operating for the entire 12-month period ended February 28, 2025, excluding 3 studios that permanently closed.
* All financial metrics are directly extracted from the 'Total Gross Revenue' table on Page 2, which presents data for 71 franchised studios operating for the 12-month period ended February 28, 2025. The document explicitly states (on Page 5) that cost of sales, operating expenses, or other costs that must be deducted to calculate net income or profit are not reflected in the provided gross revenue information, thus net income, net profit, EBITDA, and estimated profit ranges cannot be determined.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How BAR METHOD Compares
Key Insights
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Specialized Fitness
| Franchise | Investment | Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BAR METHOD Current | $304K – $511K | $43K | 6.0% | 73 |
| JAZZERCISE | $2K – $3K | $1K | 20.0% | 5,251 |
| F45 Training | $294K – $719K | $60K | 7.0% | 789 |
| Stretch Lab | $269K – $610K | $65K | 8.0% | 485 |
| Stretch Zone | $139K – $320K | $60K | 7.0% | 377 |
| BRITISH SWIM SCHOOL | $122K – $168K | $60K | 10.0% | 258 |
Specialized Fitness Average 35 franchises | $316K – $642K | $51K | 7.5% | – |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 35 Specialized Fitness franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+7 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for BAR METHOD franchisees (2012 – 2025)
Loans by Year
SBA 7(a) loan activity over time
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
73 franchisee contacts on file from official FDD filings.
| Name | SBA Loan |
|---|---|
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC | $350,000 2023 · Active |
73 Contacts Available
Unlock all BAR METHOD franchisee contacts with verified contact information
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Arbitration by franchisee alleging misrepresentations in Item 19 financial disclosures and oral representations inducing franchise purchases, with franchisor counterclaims for breach of contract, abandonment, and post-termination obligations.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
CEC Entertainment (prior employer of CEO Thomas Leverton) filed Chapter 11 on June 24, 2020. Family Christian, LLC (prior employer of CFO R. John Pindred) filed Chapter 11 on February 11, 2015.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
The total initial investment to open a BAR METHOD franchise ranges from $304,304 to $511,232. This includes a franchise fee of $42,500. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
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