#USA #New York #Crunch Fitness #Franchise 500 #gym industry

Crunch Fitness Achieves Significant Recognition in Franchise Industry

In an impressive display of growth and innovation, Crunch Fitness has hit #20 in the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500® list. This prestigious ranking underscores its ongoing evolution and suitability in today’s fitness landscape, marking a rise from last year's #32 position. As a brand that has redefined the affordable gym experience, Crunch Fitness continues to meet the diverse needs of its members.

Recognition and Growth

For nearly half a century, the Franchise 500 list has served as an essential reference for potential franchisees. Gaining a spot on this list not only enhances brand visibility but also signifies operational excellence and growth potential. In the 2026 edition, Crunch Fitness achieved the position of #2 in the fitness category due to its outstanding performance in key metrics such as unit growth, financial resilience, operational support, and brand strength.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by Entrepreneur for our accomplishments in the franchising sector,” stated Jim Rowley, CEO of Crunch Fitness. “Our commitment to the 'No Judgments' philosophy has not only defined our brand but also continues to resonate among our extensive member base across the globe. This ranking is a clear testament to our franchisees' dedication and the hard work of our corporate team.”

Milestones Achieved

The past year has been monumental for Crunch Fitness. The company surpassed the 3-million-member milestone, unveiled its new Crunch 3.0 gym design, and initiated a major franchise expansion in India, thereby marking its entry into the South Asian market. This impressive growth story is complemented by plans for approximately 100 new gym openings around the world this year.

Chequan Lewis, President of Crunch Fitness, elaborated on their vision: “This recognition reinforces our position as a leading fitness brand in the franchising world moving into 2026. We celebrate this success while remaining grounded in our operational excellence and commitment to creating legendary gym experiences for our members. Every check-in at our gyms is an opportunity to change lives.”

The Importance of Franchise Rankings

The Franchise 500 ranking has become the gold standard for identifying excellence in the franchising sector. Entrepreneur's editors employ a rigorous methodology that evaluates each franchise based on over 150 data points. Notable metrics include costs, growth rates, franchisee support, and financial stability, leading to a comprehensive score that determines the rankings.

Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur, highlighted the list's significance: “The Franchise 500 proves that successful brands are not just surviving fluctuating markets but thriving within them. These franchises represent some of the United States' most reliable paths to business ownership, vetted meticulously to ensure franchisees' success.”

Looking Ahead

As Crunch Fitness gears up for the future, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining a fun, inclusive, and supportive fitness environment, which is central to its brand ethos. Being acknowledged in the Franchise 500 only adds to their momentum as they strive to empower more individuals through fitness.

To explore Crunch Fitness's ranking and join in the celebration of their achievements, visit Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 page.

Founded over four decades ago, Crunch Fitness continues to fuse fitness with entertainment, ensuring that exercise is fun for everyone. The company, headquartered in New York City, now operates more than 550 gyms globally, accommodating a diverse community of over 3.5 million members—growing rapidly as it seeks to expand its footprint even further both domestically and internationally.