The Back Nine® Golf is revolutionizing the game of golf with its golf simulator franchise model. When golfers aren’t able to make it to the golf course or are looking for a place to perfect their swing, the company offers 24/7 access to its golf bays that members can reserve through the app. By Kelsi Trinidad
The way people think about fitness has fundamentally changed. It’s no longer a task to check off; it’s a lifestyle choice tied to longevity, balance and belonging. It has been over five years since the 2020 global pandemic, and in that time, many people have started thinking about movement as a cornerstone of their well-being and quality of life, rather than just a path to looking fit. By Tamara Rahoumi
As we round out the end of 2025 we look back on what went well and what can be even better in the future. In early 2026, I have to celebrate those emerging brands I hold near and dear to my heart. This past year, they focused and worked to adopt best practices early in their brand development. This allowed them to compete with established brands – in their unique industry – while also competing with others in the larger universe of franchises. By Dawn Abbamondi
When Steven Chmielewski was laid off after 10 years at T-Mobile, he decided to take a year off to be a stay-at-home dad. It wasn’t long before he started wondering what came next – and whether it was time to build something for himself. By Tamara Rahoumi
When Jack and Jill Johnson decided to quit their six-figure corporate jobs on New Year’s Eve 2016 and venture into the world of franchise consulting, they bet everything on a simple insight: Most franchise buyers weren’t getting advice from people who had owned a franchise. By Jessica Petrucelli
Darrin Hewartson opened his NaturaLawn® of America location in Leesburg, Virginia, in 1992. At the time, he had never seen a lawn care company that didn’t use a long list of chemicals. He was attracted to the company’s innovative, proprietary blend of organic-based products and biological controls that address the root of lawn care problems. By Kelsi Trinidad
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — Building on its national growth, Heights Wellness Retreat has secured a multi-unit agreement in Raleigh, North Carolina, located in the state’s most populous county. These will be the first two Retreats in North Carolina since the October 2024 rebrand from Massage Heights, marking a milestone moment as Heights brings its expanded services to one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
Behind the Signed Agreement – Blake and Desi Godwin
“My career has been dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences, and Heights Wellness Retreat is the perfect opportunity to bring that same focus to our community through innovative touchless wellness therapies,” said Blake. “We’re excited to open our Retreats in Holly Springs and provide this transformative experience for every member who walks through our doors.”
Heights Wellness Retreat is expanding its offerings with innovative touchless therapies that enhance the path to holistic wellness, including a lymphatic drainage suit, cryotherapy, meditation, red light therapy, and infrared sauna. These services provide members with convenient, personalized options to nurture the body, mind, and spirit, while massage therapy remains the core service and foundation of the Heights experience.
Why North Carolina?
“North Carolina has been a prime target for us, and I’m excited for Blake and Desi to lead our expansion there,” said Shane Evans, Founder and CEO of Heights Wellness Retreat. “Their expertise, passion for the customer experience, and commitment to community reflect our mission of holistic wellness, making them ideal ambassadors for our brand in this vibrant market.”
With the global wellness industry projected to reach $9 trillion by 2028, the brand is primed for continued success. The Heights leadership team has identified key target growth markets and has prime territories available nationwide so that more communities across the U.S. have access to holistic wellness services.
Heights Wellness Retreat is currently seeking single and multi-unit operators to join its growing brand. To learn about the brand’s franchise opportunities, visit heightswellnessretreatfranchise.com.
About Heights Wellness Retreat
What started as a massage franchise in 2004 has evolved into a holistic approach to wellness that helps empower the unstoppable to elevate their every day. Heights Wellness Retreat offers a suite of innovative services including cryotherapy, lymphatic drainage, and more, but massage and facials remain at its core. The wellness franchise has more than 100 locations and counting across the U.S. and Canada.
Luxury Spa Brand Celebrates New Wilmington, NC and Charleston, SC Spas and Upcoming Openings in Altamonte Springs, FL and Copley, OH, Plus New Franchise Signings in Arizona, Michigan, and Louisiana
DENVER — Woodhouse Spa, a leading luxury spa franchise known for its transformative wellness and self-care experiences, closes Q4 with strong momentum: new spa openings, additional franchise signings, and a robust pipeline of launches slated for early 2026.
“Woodhouse Spa continues to expand into markets where guests are actively seeking elevated, results-driven wellness and self-care experiences,” said Ariel Clay, Chief Operating Officer of Woodhouse Spa. “Our December opening in Wilmington and new franchise agreements in Arizona, Michigan, and Louisiana demonstrate how we’re intentionally growing our footprint in communities that align with our long-term development strategy. As we prepare for upcoming openings in Copley and Altamonte Springs, we’re focused on accelerating access to transformative, resort-quality wellness while ensuring every new spa opens strong from day one.”
Woodhouse Spa celebrated a significant milestone in Q4 with the opening of its newest location in Wilmington, North Carolina, bringing its signature holistic approach to wellness to the Carolina coast. Also in Q4, Woodhouse opened its third location in the greater Charleston, South Carolina area, a one-of-a-kind spa inside the historic Wentworth Mansion. This extraordinary setting offers guests a truly elevated, uniquely immersive spa experience in one of America’s most charming and historic destinations.
The brand also executed several key franchise agreements during the quarter that underscore its continued nationwide expansion. New signings include Gilbert, Arizona, marking continued brand growth in the West; Novi, Michigan, strengthening Woodhouse’s presence in the Midwest; and Lafayette, Louisiana, signed by an existing franchise owner, further demonstrating the confidence of current operators in the brand’s performance and potential.
Looking ahead, Woodhouse Spa is preparing for a strong start to 2026 with two new spas on the horizon. In Copley Township, Ohio, the brand will expand its footprint in Northeast Ohio, while Altamonte Springs, Florida will further solidify Woodhouse’s Southeast presence and meet the region’s growing demand for luxury wellness experiences.
Woodhouse Spa is a premier luxury day spa franchise delivering resort-level treatments in warm, inviting neighborhood settings. For nearly 25 years, the brand has been committed to creating fully customized wellness experiences that help guests relax, restore, and rejuvenate. Each spa incorporates natural textures, earthy palettes, aromatherapy, and calming soundscapes to transport guests into a serene retreat. Services include massages, facials, body rituals, nail care, and waxing, all tailored to individual needs and desired states of well-being. With more than 90 locations across the country, Woodhouse Spa continues to expand its footprint in influential markets while reinforcing its mission to make elevated wellness more accessible nationwide.
For more information on franchising with Woodhouse Spa, visit www.ownawoodhouse.com.
ABOUT WOODHOUSE SPAS
Founded in Victoria, Texas in 2001, Woodhouse provides each guest with a tranquil, transformational environment that’s both memorable and healthful. From beginning to end, dedicated spa teams ensure that each visit enhances the guests’ well-being. With 90+ spas across the country, guests of Woodhouse are guaranteed the same high-quality signature services and luxurious experiences regardless of location. For more information, please visit www.woodhousespas.com.
Offering something for everyone, the new location combines bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
DELAWARE, Ohio — Barrio Burrito Bar, the fast-casual Mexican restaurant known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos, is now open and operating at its newest location in Delaware. Located at 66 Hyatts Rd., the new restaurant invites guests to build their perfect burrito, bowl, or taco with a wide selection of proteins, toppings, and house-made salsas prepared fresh every day.
Meet the Local Owner:
The Delaware Barrio Burrito Bar is a true family operation run by Bob, Pranay, and Ashish Patel, who bring their shared passion for great food and hospitality to the community. With more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, the Patel family has always been driven by entrepreneurship and a commitment to serving fresh, high-quality food. When they began looking to expand their business portfolio, they came across Barrio Burrito Bar and immediately connected with its expansive, customizable menu that offers something for everyone. The concept aligned naturally with their values and vision, making it the perfect fit for their next venture.
“We’ve always loved creating memorable experiences through food, and bringing Barrio Burrito Bar to Delaware gives our family the chance to do that on a bigger scale,” said Pranay. “We can’t wait to see the community enjoy the menu as much as we do.”
Barrio Burrito Bar offers a wide variety of options to satisfy every craving, from classic grilled chicken and steak burritos to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly creations. Guests can customize every part of their meal, including bases like cilantro rice or lettuce, proteins such as slow-roasted carnitas or grilled veggies, and signature sauces that range from smoky chipotle crema to tangy salsa verde.
The restaurant’s vibrant and welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for lunch breaks, family dinners, or casual nights out. Guests can dine in, order ahead online, or choose delivery through third-party apps.
For more information about Barrio Burrito Bar in Delaware, please visit https://www.barrioburritobar.com/locations or call (740) 201-8205.
About Barrio Burrito Bar
Barrio Burrito Bar is a fast-casual Tex-Mex franchise redefining customizable dining with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant, made-to-order meals. Guests can build their perfect burrito, bowl, or taco from a wide variety of proteins, toppings, and house-made salsas, including fan favorites like Bang-Bang Shrimp, Crunchy Chicken, and Extreme Fries.
After entering the U.S. market in 2020, the brand now operates as Barrio Burrito Bar and is expanding nationwide, with over 1,600 franchised units under development across the country. For franchise information, please contact jeff@barrioburritobar.com.
For more information, visit www.barrioburritobar.com or follow @BarrioBurritoBar on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Leading Dog Training Franchise Expands Human Level Fitness Tracking to Select Locations
LOS ANGELES — Zoom Room Dog Training, the nation’s highest-rated dog training franchise, recently announced a new partnership with Fi, the leader in smart pet technology, to bring real-time activity tracking into its training programs. The collaboration marks the first time a national dog training franchise has integrated wearable technology into its curriculum, reinforcing Zoom Room’s commitment to helping dogs live active, confident, and well-balanced lives.
“At Zoom Room, we train the people—and what they do outside the gym matters as much as what happens inside,” said Mark Van Wye, CEO of Zoom Room. “Fi gives owners a clear window into their dog’s daily patterns so training carries into real life. When you can see the trends, you can reinforce the right habits everywhere, not jut in class.”
Zoom Room and Fi share a mission rooted in empowering modern dog owners through education, connection, and positivity. Zoom Room’s training philosophy, “we don’t train dogs, we train the people who love them,” was created to support real-world results that last long after class ends. Fi’s technology extends that same mindset into everyday life, giving owners trusted, real-time insight into their dogs’ behavior and health. From activity and sleep monitoring to AI-powered detection of scratching, licking, barking, eating, and drinking, Fi unlocks a new era of intelligent, proactive dog care.
“Our mission at Fi has always been to give dog owners a deeper, more meaningful understanding of their dogs’ health and behavior,” said Jonathan Bensamoun, founder and CEO of Fi. “Partnering with Zoom Room allows us to bring Fi’s insights into a training environment that’s rooted in real outcomes. Together, we’re raising the bar for how technology can support dogs, their humans, and the broader pet care community.”
Beginning this November, new clients at participating Zoom Room locations will receive a free Fi Mini GPS Tracker (a $99 value) plus six months of complimentary Fi service after a small activation fee with qualifying purchase. Starting in 2026, select locations will also feature in-gym activity leaderboards and nationwide challenges highlighting dogs who log the most movement or visit the gym most consistently.
The integration supports Zoom Room’s broader strategy to expand offerings that deepen client engagement and modernize the training experience, while enabling the brand to meet rising demand for data-supported wellness solutions in a way no other dog training franchise currently can. The combination of real-world training and trackable progress underscores Zoom Room’s commitment to delivering services aligned with the future of the pet care market.
To learn more about Zoom Room and its franchising opportunities, please visit https://zoomroom.com/franchise/.
About Zoom Room Dog Training
Established in 2007, Zoom Room® is a venture-backed and revolutionary indoor dog training gym, recently recognized as one of the Top 40 fastest-growing consumer service brands in the United States per the Inc 5000 list. Zoom Room’s mission is to deepen the bond and communication between dogs and their human companions through its focus on socialization, positive reinforcement, human education, and interactive learning. Accolades include rankings on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list and their esteemed list of Top Franchises for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. They are also the authors of the best-selling dog training book, Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps and Ultimate Puppy Training for Kids. Committed to social responsibility, Zoom Room celebrates responsible pet owners and actively collaborates with animal rescue and welfare organizations at both local and national levels. Discover more about how Zoom Room is redefining the pet industry at https://zoomroom.com/.
About Fi
Fi is a pet technology company dedicated to building the most advanced GPS tracking devices on the market. Designed for safety, fitness tracking, and peace of mind, Fi devices empower owners to understand their dog’s habits, health, and adventures with real-time insights and long-lasting performance.