How Much Does a Gold’s Gym Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$1.8M – $4.3M
Franchise Fee
$40K
Royalty
Greater of 5% of Facility’s Gross Revenue each month or $2,000 per month
Ad Fund
2.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Gold’s Gym is $40K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Gold’s Gym franchise requires a total investment of $1.8M – $4.3M. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $40K to $100K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Gold’s Gym franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty structure is: Greater of 5% of Facility’s Gross Revenue each month or $2,000 per month. The advertising or brand fund contribution is 2.0% of gross sales.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Gold’s Gym requires working capital of $40K – $100K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to Gold’s Gym's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $1.7M
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View Gold’s Gym?
SBA Loans Issued
201
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Gold’s Gym has 201 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 0.0%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
Talk to current Gold’s Gym franchise owners
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