Massage Heights, a leader of professional, affordable and convenient therapeutic massage and facial services, announced today it signed franchise development agreements to expand its presence in Georgia and North Carolina. As part of this accelerated growth, the company recently opened the Charlotte location in December at 1235 East Blvd in Dilworth. The newest Retreats in Atlanta are slated to open at 4600 Roswell Road in Buckhead North in February 2017, at 2570 Blackmon Drive in Decatur in April 2017, in Alpharetta by year-end and the Johns Creek Retreat has announced new ownership this January.
Driving Massage Heights’ expansion in Charlotte are first-time franchisees Ryan and Holly Hawley, who have opened their Retreat in the historic Dilworth neighborhood. Franchising was a viable career move for the couple, as it provided the freedom of ownership under a proven system with best-in-class training, corporate support and quality services to customers. The Dilworth Retreat marks the fifth location in Charlotte and the seventh in the state of North Carolina.
“We could not be more excited about our new Retreat, which is situated on the doorstep of downtown Charlotte, and about serving the local needs of the community through the Massage Heights experience,” said Holly Hawley. “We know people have many choices today, and we are so proud of the commitment we make at Massage Heights to our guests. From the linens we use, to the plush hydraulic massage tables that are the best for our customers, and also the talented licensed massage therapists on our team. We look forward to serving our hometown community and local residents for many years to come.”
The new Retreat in Decatur is owned by husband-and-wife team Joonas and Kasey Kohtala. This is the first Massage Heights franchise for the local entrepreneurs. Prior to purchasing their franchise, Kasey was involved in medical sales, while Joonas was co-owner and operator of Finoptics, an optical fiber and cable company. Kasey’s sales and marketing experience combined with Joonas’s strong operational skills allowed the couple to pursue a career in franchising.
“We know there is immense potential for growth in the massage industry, especially in Atlanta where we saw the need for affordable, convenient and professional massage therapy,” said Kasey Kohtala. “Massage Heights has an outstanding management team and support system for its franchise network, and we love the direction the brand is heading in with its strong business model and new, revamped look. As local residents of Decatur, we welcome the opportunity to provide our community with rejuvenating therapeutic services for many years to come.”
Leading expansion plans in Alpharetta are first-time franchisees Sharlene Smith and Charice Nash, local residents of the area. Both restaurant industry veterans, Smith served as Vice President and General Manager of McDonald’s USA in the Atlanta region and Nash has spent nearly two decades in operations with McDonald’s USA, as well. The couple plans to take their combined experiences of delivering exceptional customer service to the Massage Heights family with their future new Retreat alongside expanding their ownership to the Johns Creek location at 3000 Old Alabama Road this January. Sharlene and Charice look forward to joining the Massage Heights family to create environments, through loyalty, authenticity, passion, and diligence that will allow customers to become healthier versions of themselves. The new Alpharetta, Decatur and Buckhead North Retreats will mark eight Massage Heights locations in the state of Georgia.
The new location in Alpharetta will feature the latest Retreat design that was recently rolled out in November 2016. The redesign showcases an updated contemporary layout, which is part of the company's commitment to provide its guests with a consistently elevated experience. Massage Heights has set a goal to implement the design transition system-wide by the end of next year.
“As we continue to grow the Massage Heights brand nationwide, we’re thrilled to share such exciting development news that will kick us off with a strong momentum into 2017,” said Shane Evans, co-founder and president of Massage Heights. “Atlanta and Charlotte are prime markets we are targeting for future growth, and we see tremendous opportunity with the new franchisees joining our team in vibrant, thriving communities. We look forward to further propelling our brand’s presence in Georgia and North Carolina and are eager to welcome new franchisees to our growing Massage Heights family.”
Massage Heights, which aims to have 300 Retreats open by the end of 2018, plans to develop franchised locations in cities like Denver, Kansas City, Tampa-St. Petersburg, San Diego, Nashville, Knoxville and Las Vegas in 2016. Additionally, Massage Heights is seeking area developers to grow the brand in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Northern Virginia, Nashville, Tampa-St. Petersburg and Salt Lake City.
As part of its nationwide expansion plans, Massage Heights is seeking qualified franchisees and area developers to join its growing brand. Prospective single- and multi-unit franchisees should have $175,000 in liquid assets and minimum $400,000 net worth per location, as well as experience in sales or retail management and managing hourly wage employees. Prospective area representatives should have $375,000 in liquid assets and minimum $600,000 net worth, as well as previous experience in franchising, sales, marketing and operating multiple sites, preferably in the retail, restaurant, hospitality or customer services industries.
In March 2016, Massage Heights announced it established a new brand management and development company, Elevated Brands. In addition to managing and developing Massage Heights, Elevated Brands formed a relationship with the first ultra-premium men's grooming and lifestyle club, The Gents Place, to grow the brand nationally through franchising.
For more information about opening your own Massage Heights franchise, please visit http://www.massageheightsfranchise.com.
