While franchise growth often means reaching new communities and engaging new audiences, the first flagship location always holds a special place. That’s especially true for The Bar Method, which has returned to its roots in San Francisco after 24 years, injecting fresh energy into the city.

Over the past year, being part of the fitness industry has meant more than just workouts for my business partner and friend, Noreen, and me. We’ve learned it can be a catalyst for community, wellness, and urban renewal. As longtime franchisees and instructors with The Bar Method, that belief came full circle as we debuted our third studio – this time in downtown San Francisco.

Honoring the Legacy

The Bar Method began in 2001, built on two decades of dedication from founder Burr Leonard, who designed a technique to empower people of all ages and physical abilities to build healthy bodies for life. By the early 2000s, the first flagship studio opened in San Francisco, marking a milestone for the Method and its growing community. So, when Noreen and I had the chance to bring The Bar Method back to its roots in the heart of San Francisco, we knew it was more than just another studio opening – it was a full-circle moment.

The Power of Partnerships

Business ownership is best done with a network of support. Franchising with The Bar Method opens the door to a strong community of entrepreneurs who want to see each other succeed. Whether you have a business partnership, like Noreen and I, or you are opening a studio independently, you’ll never be alone in business ownership with The Bar Method.

Our journey began more than two decades ago, when we each discovered The Bar Method in San Francisco’s Marina district in the early 2000s. Although we didn’t know each other then, our shared passion for the Method and desire to open studios brought us together. By 2003, just two years after the brand’s first flagship studio launched, we were both certified instructors. Soon after, we opened our first location in San Mateo. Our second studio followed in Palo Alto in 2010, and now, in 2025, our long-held dream of opening in San Francisco, where it all began, has come true.

Over the years, as our relationship and businesses evolved, Noreen and I have found a rhythm that allows us to lean into our strengths and grow our business in lockstep with one another – at this point we’re finishing each other’s sentences. Connecting with the broader network, whether it’s in-person with our neighboring studio owners or online, the ability to learn from the other studio owners has been invaluable. From the West Coast to the East Coast, The Bar Method has kept us connected with best practices and advice – allowing us to focus on what matters most: our clients.

We’re not just doing what worked 20 years ago. We’re adapting, innovating, and attracting new clientele because of it. The Bar Method’s evolution has helped us stay relevant in a competitive market, and our partnership has kept us grounded.

Built to Last

As Noreen and I reflect on the industry 20 years ago, we’ve seen a transformative shift from our signature Bar Method class to an emphasis on strength training. In light of this consumer shift, class formats have been added, and the methodology has been refined by the expert technique team and Bar Method staffed physical therapists to appeal to strength enthusiasts while staying rooted in a tried-and-true workout that loyalist love. Now we see 25-year-olds joining and embracing heavier weights and, in the same vein, we also have 70-year-olds lifting 8 lbs. weights in compound movements. Noreen and I are just blown away by the resilience and strength of our members, at every stage of life. Witnessing transformative results in our studios every day is a powerful testament to our method and our ability to change lives through studio ownership.

Purpose-Driven Growth

Opening a studio in a major city like San Francisco, where competition is fierce, is a symbol of our growth and dedication to building something purposeful we can share with others. As consumer demand for wellness continues an upward trajectory, fitness spaces are becoming hubs where people can gather, build their routines, and create a tight-knit community they’re proud to be a part of.

Across The Bar Method franchise system, memberships grew by 14.2 percent from 2022 to 2024, a clear reflection of the industry’s momentum and the growing demand for results-driven fitness experiences. Beyond the numbers, this growth speaks to the kind of community we’re building. Our San Mateo studio set the tone early on, creating a space where people felt seen, supported, and empowered. That sense of belonging is the essence of wellness. We’ve had clients attend classes since day one, and many have become like family to us.

Looking Ahead

Bringing The Bar Method back into the city of San Francisco in 2025 is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much potential still lies ahead. From both a business and wellness perspective, we’re proud to be part of an industry that’s transforming lives and empowering individuals to build stronger bodies and a healthier sense of self. With boutique fitness continuing to thrive, there’s never been a better time to invest in this movement. We’re excited to keep fostering connections, driving growth, and cultivating a vibrant community that inspires lasting change.

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