KidStrong franchise unit economics
KidStrong franchisees run children’s development centers that sell memberships for classes in physical skills, leadership and confidence.
KidStrong in the news
- KidStrong Franchise Owner Michael Reyes Signs 46-Unit Area Development Agreement, Growing his NextGen Holdings Platform · Webull (PR Newswire) ·
The KidStrong headline above is the publisher's own and links to the publisher. Averan Advisors checked this KidStrong link on 11 October 2026. Franchise news lists news on 88 brands, including KidStrong. KidStrong is in the Swim Schools and Youth Sports franchise guide.
KidStrong franchise at a glance
Item 19 reports 2025 gross sales by quartile for 109 standard centers and separately for 4 hybrid centers, with no cost or profit figures.
KidStrong franchisees averaged $771,838* of sales in 2025, with a median of $768,159, according to Item 19 of KidStrong’s 2026 FDD, issued 20 April 2026. The 109 in that group are 70%* of KidStrong’s 156 franchised centers. Fees paid to KidStrong come to about 18.35%* of sales. A KidStrong franchise costs $319,300 to $671,200 to open.
- A KidStrong franchise costs $476,400 to $671,200 to open as a standard two-floor center, or $319,300 to $436,650 as a hybrid center.
- KidStrong charges a royalty of 7% of Gross Sales for the first 18 months after pre-sales start, then 8.5%, plus a 1.65% brand fund contribution and a 1% technology fee.
- A KidStrong franchisee must also spend an average of 5% of Gross Sales on digital advertising, with a minimum of $2,500 a month.
- KidStrong reports that 109 standard centers open a full year under the same ownership had 2025 gross sales of $363,081 to $1,407,485, an average of $771,838 on Averan’s weighting of the quartile figures.*
- KidStrong’s 4 hybrid centers open a full year averaged $621,503 of gross sales in 2025, with a median of $615,735.
- KidStrong had 156 franchised centers and 11 company or affiliate centers at the end of 2025, up from 52 franchised centers at the start of 2023.
These figures come from KidStrong's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, as the brand reported them, and were read by Averan Advisors. The $771,838 average is Averan’s weighting of the four printed quartile averages across 109 centers. The 18.35% applies the 8.5% royalty, 1.65% brand fund, 1% technology fee and 5% advertising to $771,838, adds $16,992 a year of fixed monthly fees, and divides by $771,838.
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Talk to Averan → Averan KidStrong Conversion Package →- The top quartile of standard centers averaged $1,064,687 of 2025 gross sales, and the bottom quartile $510,254. That is 2.09 times apart.* The highest center reported $1,407,485 and the lowest $363,081.
- The 4 hybrid centers averaged $621,503, which is 80.5% of the standard-center average.* The midpoint of the hybrid investment estimate, $377,975, is 65.9% of the standard midpoint of $573,800.* The hybrid figure rests on 4 centers.
- The $2,500 monthly advertising minimum applies to a center below $600,000 of annual sales.* All 28 bottom-quartile centers reported less than $587,808. At the bottom-quartile average the minimum is $4,487 a year above 5% of sales.*
- The royalty is 7% for the first 18 months after pre-sales begin, then 8.5%. At the $771,838 average the 1.5-point step is about $11,578 a year.* Pre-sales normally begin 12 to 14 weeks before opening.
- Franchised centers went from 52 to 156 between the start of 2023 and the end of 2025. Item 20 reports 106 openings, 2 centers that ceased operations in 2024, and no terminations, non-renewals or reacquisitions. 36 centers changed owner in the same three years.*
Gross sales
How much does a KidStrong franchise make?
| Format | Centers | Average | Median | Highest | Lowest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard two-floor * | 109 | $771,838 | $768,159 | $1,407,485 | $363,081 |
| Hybrid | 4 | $621,503 | $615,735 | $694,310 | $560,233 |
Source: Item 19, 2026 FDD, calendar year 2025. Item 19 prints the standard centers by quartile only. The standard average and median, marked *, are Averan calculations: the average weights the four quartile averages by their 27, 27, 27 and 28 centers, and the median is the 55th of 109 centers, the highest center in the third quartile. The hybrid row is as printed.
The 109 standard two-floor centers had 2025 gross sales averaging $771,838 on Averan’s weighting of the quartile figures.* The median center reported $768,159.* The highest reported $1,407,485 and the lowest $363,081. The figures come from information franchisees submitted to the franchisor.
The 109 centers are the standard centers open before January 1, 2025 that operated under the same ownership for all of 2025. Item 19 states that 128 standard franchised centers were open at the start of 2025, and that 16 were excluded as transfers and 3 because they did not report financial data accurately. The 109 are 69.9% of the 156 franchised centers open at the end of 2025.*
The 4 hybrid centers open a full year averaged $621,503, with a median of $615,735. That average is 80.5% of the standard-center average.* A hybrid center has one standard floor and one smaller floor, and Item 1 describes it as suited to urban or rural areas and smaller markets.
Item 19 publishes gross sales only. Its notes state that it presents no information on the expenses of operating a center, and list rent, supplies, wages, taxes, utilities, financing costs and the franchisor’s charges as costs that reduce income from these figures.
Quartiles
Revenue by quartile, 2025
| Quartile | Centers | Highest | Lowest | Average | Median | Above quartile average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top | 27 | $1,407,485 | $880,888 | $1,064,687 | $1,059,038 | 13 (48%) |
| Second | 27 | $880,046 | $768,221 | $829,198 | $828,098 | 15 (56%) |
| Third | 27 | $768,159 | $590,157 * | $692,900 | $701,605 | 14 (52%) |
| Bottom | 28 | $587,808 | $363,081 | $510,254 | $515,687 | 17 (61%) |
Source: Item 19, 2026 FDD. The third quartile’s lowest figure is printed as $590.157, with a decimal point; Averan reads it as $590,157, marked *. The last column counts centers above their own quartile’s average, not above the all-center average.
The top quartile averaged $1,064,687 and the bottom quartile $510,254. The gap is $554,433, and the top average is 2.09 times the bottom.* The highest center reported 3.88 times the lowest.*
The second and third quartiles sit close to the middle. The second quartile ran from $768,221 to $880,046 and the third from $590,157 to $768,159.* Together those 54 centers span $290,000 or less of annual sales.*
Every center in the bottom quartile reported less than $600,000. At that level 5% of sales equals the $2,500 monthly advertising minimum.* All 28 bottom-quartile centers and at least the lowest center in the third quartile were below it on an annual reading.
The share of centers above their own quartile average rises from 48% in the top quartile to 61% in the bottom. In the top quartile, fewer than half the centers exceed the quartile average.
Brand charges
Brand charges
| Charge | Rate in Item 6 | At the $771,838 average * |
|---|---|---|
| Royalty | 7% of Gross Sales for 18 months after pre-sales start, then 8.5% | $65,606 at 8.5% |
| Brand Fund Contribution | 1.65% of Gross Sales | $12,735 |
| Technology Fee | 1% of Gross Sales; may rise 10% a year | $7,718 |
| Digital advertising spend | Average of 5% of Gross Sales, minimum $2,500 a month | $38,592 |
| Ongoing Marketing Services Fee | $825 a month; may rise 10% a year | $9,900 |
| Direct Software Fee | $562 a month ($600 with the optional Career Plug module) | $6,744 |
| Music licensing | $29 a month | $348 |
| Total | 16.15% of Gross Sales plus $1,416 a month | $141,644 (18.35% of sales) |
Source: Item 6, 2026 FDD. Dollar amounts and the total percentage are Averan calculations, marked *, applying the Item 6 rates after the first 18 months to Averan’s $771,838 weighted average for standard centers. The advertising spend is reimbursed to the franchisor for media placement.
The percentage charges are an 8.5% royalty, a 1.65% brand fund contribution and a 1% technology fee, 11.15% of Gross Sales in all.* These start when pre-sales begin, which Item 6 puts at 12 to 14 weeks before opening. Fixed monthly fees for marketing services, software and music licensing come to $16,992 a year.*
The franchisee must spend an average of 5% of Gross Sales a month on digital advertising, and at least $2,500 a month. Item 6 puts the expected amount at about $3,750 a month, and its notes state that the estimate is based on the average sales of the top 50% of centers. Below $600,000 of annual sales the minimum is higher than 5%.*
On Averan’s arithmetic the charges and required advertising come to 17.75% of sales at the top-quartile average and 20.36% at the bottom-quartile average.* At the lowest center, $363,081, they come to 24.09%, and at the highest, $1,407,485, to 17.36%.* At the hybrid average of $621,503 they come to 18.88%.*
The royalty is 7% for the first 18 months after pre-sales start. At the $771,838 average, the step to 8.5% adds about $11,578 a year.* The Technology Fee and the Ongoing Marketing Services Fee may each rise 10% a year, and the Direct Software Fee may rise by the franchisor’s cost increase plus 20% of total cost.
Other charges are event-based. A post-opening virtual sales support fee of $750 a week plus $25 per membership sold applies for the first 4 weeks after opening. Transfer and successor franchise fees are each the greater of $7,500 or 25% of the then-current initial franchise fee, which is $11,250 at today’s $45,000.* Late payments carry a 3% charge and interest at 18%.
Cost to open
Cost to open
| Item | Standard low | Standard high | Hybrid low | Hybrid high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial franchise fee | $45,000 | $45,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Training, opening support and startup marketing fees | $11,500 | $11,500 | $11,500 | $11,500 |
| Leasehold improvements | $175,000 | $275,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 |
| Equipment package, including training floor | $98,500 | $120,000 | $53,100 | $66,000 |
| Equipment installation | $13,000 | $20,500 | $12,000 | $18,500 |
| Pre-opening marketing | $35,000 | $45,000 | $30,000 | $37,500 |
| Architect fees | $15,500 | $19,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Interior and exterior signage | $17,500 | $35,000 | $15,625 | $27,500 |
| Virtual sales support fee | $7,500 | $11,000 | $7,500 | $11,000 |
| Additional funds, 3 months | $25,000 | $30,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| All other lines | $32,900 | $59,200 | $24,575 | $44,650 |
| Total | $476,400 | $671,200 | $319,300 | $436,650 |
Source: Item 7, 2026 FDD. The fee row combines the $5,000 training fee, two $2,500 on-site opening support fees and the $1,500 startup marketing fee; the signage row combines interior and exterior signage; the last row combines rent and lease deposit, fixtures, electronics, office supplies, permits and professional services, training travel, retail and print, and insurance deposits. Combined rows are Averan sums, marked *. Totals are as printed.
A standard two-floor center is estimated at $476,400 to $671,200, and a hybrid center at $319,300 to $436,650. The standard estimate assumes 3,200 to 4,000 square feet. Item 7 gives 2,400 to 3,000 square feet for a hybrid center, while Item 1 gives 2,300 to 3,000.
Leasehold improvements are the largest line: $175,000 to $275,000 for a standard center and $100,000 to $150,000 for a hybrid. The high figure assumes a cold, dark shell. The franchisee must use an approved architect, and the franchisor approves or refuses the plans in writing within 30 days.
The equipment package, $98,500 to $120,000 for a standard center, is bought from the franchisor’s affiliate, KidStrong Equipment Inc. Item 8 states margins of 10% to 60% on items in the package and 10% on installation, and that the affiliate derived $7,383,603 from franchisees’ required equipment purchases in 2025.
The Item 7 lines paid to the franchisor or its affiliate add to $210,500 to $253,000 for a standard center and $144,100 to $174,500 for a hybrid.* The cover page states these payments as $202,500 to $268,125 for a standard center and $129,600 to $167,125 for a hybrid. The FDD does not reconcile the two.
Item 11 estimates opening 8 to 12 months after signing the franchise agreement. The center may not open until at least 325 members have enrolled in pre-sales, and it must open within 12 months of signing. A VetFran discount of 15% off the initial franchise fee is available to qualifying veterans.
Locations
Locations, 2023 to 2025
| Year | Start | Opened | Terminated | Non-renewed | Reacquired | Ceased, other | End | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 52 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 89 | 4 |
| 2024 | 89 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 121 | 16 |
| 2025 | 121 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 156 | 16 |
| 2023 to 2025 | 52 | 106 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 156 | 36 |
Source: Item 20, Tables 2 and 3, 2026 FDD. The three-year total row is an Averan sum, marked *. Company and affiliate centers are not included.
Franchised centers went from 52 at the start of 2023 to 156 at the end of 2025. Item 20 reports 106 openings over the three years, 2 centers that ceased operations in 2024, one in Florida and one in Massachusetts, and no terminations, non-renewals or reacquisitions.
Company and affiliate centers went from 9 to 11 over the same period, for 167 centers in all at the end of 2025. In 2024 the franchisor converted its headquarters center into a training center that is no longer open to the public.
16 centers changed owner in 2025, or 13.2% of the 121 franchised centers open at the start of the year.* There were 4 transfers in 2023 and 16 in 2024. Item 19 excluded 16 transferred centers from its 2025 figures.
Item 20 lists 51 signed franchise agreements for centers not yet open, and projects 52 franchised and 3 company openings in 2026. California holds 13 of the signed agreements, Texas 5 and Virginia 5.
Item 19 and Item 20 give different counts for the start of 2025. Item 19 states that 128 standard and 4 hybrid franchised centers were open at the start of 2025; Item 20 reports 121 franchised centers at that date. The FDD does not explain the difference.
The state risk page states that the franchisor’s financial condition, as reflected in its financial statements, calls into question its financial ability to provide services and support. The audited balance sheet at December 31, 2025 shows a member’s deficit, after distributions to the owner larger than the year’s net income.
Questions we get asked
Questions owners ask
How much does it cost to open a KidStrong franchise?
The 2026 FDD estimates $476,400 to $671,200 for a standard two-floor center and $319,300 to $436,650 for a hybrid center. That includes the initial franchise fee of $45,000 or $30,000, leasehold improvements, the equipment package bought from the franchisor’s affiliate, at least $35,000 or $30,000 of pre-opening marketing, and 3 months of additional funds.
What fees does a KidStrong franchisee pay?
A royalty of 7% of Gross Sales for 18 months after pre-sales start and 8.5% after that, a 1.65% brand fund contribution, a 1% technology fee, $825 a month for marketing services, $562 a month for software and $29 a month for music licensing. The franchisee must also spend an average of 5% of Gross Sales on digital advertising, at least $2,500 a month. At the $771,838 standard-center average that comes to about 18.35% of sales on Averan’s calculation.*
How much does a KidStrong center make?
Item 19 reports that 109 standard centers open a full year under the same ownership had 2025 gross sales of $363,081 to $1,407,485. Weighting the four quartile averages gives $771,838.* The top quartile averaged $1,064,687 and the bottom quartile $510,254. The 4 hybrid centers averaged $621,503. Item 19 gives no cost or profit figures.
How many KidStrong centers are there?
Item 20 reports 156 franchised centers and 11 company or affiliate centers at the end of 2025, 167 in all. It also lists 51 signed agreements for centers not yet open.
Does KidStrong set a minimum number of members?
Yes. A center may not open until at least 325 members have enrolled in pre-sales. Item 12 then sets minimums of 250 active paying members in the first performance year, 275 in the second and 300 from the third year on; if a center falls short, the franchisor may reduce its territory, require more marketing spend or support at the franchisee’s expense, or terminate the agreement.
What territory does a KidStrong franchisee get?
Item 12 describes a protected territory drawn as a custom polygon from mobile data, a 2 mile radius in a rural area, or a block radius in an urban area, and the franchisor may grant a smaller one. The franchisor and its affiliates keep the right to sell in the territory through other channels, including online, without compensating the franchisee. The franchise term is 10 years.
Questions worth putting to KidStrong
These are questions the filing leaves open. An owner or a buyer can put them to the franchisor directly.
- Is the revenue in Item 19 gross sales or collected revenue, and how many locations sit below the average?
- Which factors does KidStrong see in its highest-selling locations, such as territory, years open and staffing?
- How long does a new location take to reach the average you publish, and what does the build-up look like month by month?
- At what level of sales do the minimum charges stop applying and the percentage take over?
- How many KidStrong locations closed, were sold, or changed hands last year, and why?
Run your own numbers.
The Franchise Numbers Check runs the same checks on your own numbers. It scores where you stand and compares you with Item 19 of your brand’s FDD. It works out what one location earns and spends, and builds a 13-week cash forecast. It also checks whether you are ready to open another one. It is free and it runs in your browser.
Launch the diagnostic →Reporting for a KidStrong owner
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Questions owners ask next
The figures above raise these, and each one is answered on its own page.
- At what level of sales does a minimum fee stop costing me more than the percentage?It works out the sales level where a minimum fee stops applying.
- How much cash do I fund before a new location covers its own costs?It builds a 13-week forecast for the months before break-even.
- What does this location earn on the money I put into it?It works out the payback period and cash-on-cash return for one unit.
- How much of Item 19 can I rely on?It explains what an Item 19 financial performance representation tells you and what it leaves out.
Where these figures come from
Every figure here comes from KidStrong Franchising LLC’s 2026 FDD and is unaudited by us. We are unaffiliated with the brand. Calculations of our own are labeled where they appear. The figures describe past performance at other businesses and are not a projection of yours. This page is an educational summary. It is not an offer to sell a franchise, and it is not financial, legal or tax advice. KidStrong is a trademark of its owner. How Averan reads a Franchise Disclosure Document.
These figures come from the brand's disclosure. They are not a forecast, an offer to sell a franchise or advice. Source: KidStrong Franchising LLC, 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, issued 20 April 2026.