How many BAR METHOD franchise locations are there?

As of the 2026 FDD, BAR METHOD has 73 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2008.

Can you get an SBA loan for a BAR METHOD franchise?

Yes, SBA loans are available for BAR METHOD franchises. Historical data shows 56 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for BAR METHOD franchisees, with an average loan amount of $342,527. The historical default rate is 12.5%.

Is BAR METHOD a good franchise to buy?

Whether BAR METHOD is a good franchise investment depends on your personal goals, available capital, and local market conditions. We recommend reviewing the full FDD, speaking with existing franchisees listed in Item 20, and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.

BAR METHOD

FDD Year:

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.

Locations

$240K–$491K

Investment

Since 2008

Franchising

Health & FitnessWoodbury, MNPurpose Brands Holdings, LLCwww.barmethod.comDisclaimer

Franchise Costs

Franchise Fee

$42,500

Item 5 of FDD

Initial Investment Range

$240,012 – $491,082

Low: $240,012High: $491,082

Item 7 of FDD

Royalty Rate

6.00%

of gross sales

Brand Fund

2.00%

Item 6 of FDD

Fixed Monthly Fees

$429 – $429

Item 6 of FDD

6% royalty + 2% marketing fund + $429/mo technology fee

How BAR METHOD Compares

Key Insights

Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Specialized Fitness

Franchise	Investment	Fee	Royalty	Locations
BAR METHOD Current	$240K – $491K	$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	$314K – $641K	$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.

SBA Loan History

Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for BAR METHOD franchisees (2012 – 2025)

Total Loans

Average Loan

$342,527

Total Volume

$19.2M

Default Rate

12.5%

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

60 franchisee contacts on file from official FDD filings.

Name	Address	Phone	Email	SBA Loan
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC	123 Main St Anytown, CA 90210	(555) 123-4567	john@example.com	$350,000 2023 · Active
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC	123 Main St Anytown, CA 90210	(555) 123-4567	john@example.com	$350,000 2023 · Active
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC	123 Main St Anytown, CA 90210	(555) 123-4567	john@example.com	$350,000 2023 · Active
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC	123 Main St Anytown, CA 90210	(555) 123-4567	john@example.com	$350,000 2023 · Active
John Smith ABC Franchise LLC	123 Main St Anytown, CA 90210	(555) 123-4567	john@example.com	$350,000 2023 · Active

60 Contacts Available

Unlock all BAR METHOD franchisee contacts with verified contact information

Due Diligence

Litigation (Item 3)

Franchisee Cases1

Arbitration by former franchisee alleging misrepresentations in Item 19 financial disclosures and oral representations inducing purchase of two franchises.

Bankruptcy (Item 4)

Bankruptcy HistoryYes

Thomas Leverton, CEO of parent companies Purpose Brands Holdings, LLC and Purpose Brands Intermediate, LLC, was CEO of CEC Entertainment, Inc. until February 2020; CEC Entertainment filed Chapter 11 on June 24, 2020, plan confirmed December 15, 2020, discharged December 30, 2020.

System Health (Item 20)

Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year

Terminations

Non-Renewals

Reacquired

Ceased Ops

Transfers

Sold to Franchisees

Projected New

Frequently Asked Questions

The total initial investment to open a BAR METHOD franchise ranges from $240,012 to $491,082. This includes a franchise fee of $42,500. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.