Starting Strength vs FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIOS
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Starting Strength and FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIOS are health & fitness franchises. Starting Strength requires an investment of $237K – $713K while FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIOS requires $296K – $658K. In terms of revenue, Starting Strength reports higher average unit revenue at $1.4M. On SBA loan performance, FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIOS has a lower charge-off rate (6.1%) compared to Starting Strength (25.0%). FranchiseVerdict rates Starting Strength F (Bottom Quintile) and FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIOS A (Top Quintile).
| Metric | Starting Strength | FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIOS |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | FBottom QuintileBottom Quintile | ATop QuintileTop Quintile |
| Investment Range | $237K – $713K | $296K – $658K |
| Franchise Fee | $40K | $35K |
| Royalty Rate | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.4M | $777K |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 25.0% (12 loans) | 6.1% (33 loans) |
| Total Units | 25 | 261 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 2018 | 1995 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$237K – $713K
$296K – $658K
Franchise Fee
$40K
$35K
Royalty Rate
8.0%
7.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.4M
$777K
SBA Charge-Off Rate
25.0% (12 loans)
6.1% (33 loans)
Total Units
25
261
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
2018
1995
FDD Year
2025
2025