(Franchise Buy) - By . Updated Oct 24, 2011

Lucille Roberts, Fitness For Women, Announces Franchise Expansion Plans Of Its 40 Year Old Brand Into Florida And Georgia

South Florida, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Orlando and Atlanta Slated for Initial Phase of Development

(Monday, October 24, 2011) - Lucille Roberts, a visionary fitness icon and pioneer of women's health clubs with nearly 50 company-owned clubs in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, announced today it has signed an agreement with franchise industry veterans Jerry Cohn and David Tannen to develop 50 plus health club franchises throughout Florida and Georgia.

Boca Raton, FL-based Cohn and Tannen, who have a 35-year successful track record in franchise development with Century 21 Real Estate and more than 250 Pak Mail locations in the southeast, are poised to rapidly expand the Lucille Roberts footprint in the region. They are currently seeking entrepreneurs to invest in or own new Lucille Roberts franchised locations in a fitness industry that generates more than $20 billion in revenue a year and has produced a 231 percent increase in memberships over the last decade.

'Florida and Georgia are priority growth markets for Lucille Roberts, and we're excited to expand the brand's footprint beyond the northeast for the first time in the company's more than 40 year history,' said Kevin Roberts, president of Lucille Roberts Health Clubs Franchising, Inc. 'Backed by our experienced franchising experts and one-of-a-kind approach to women's fitness, Lucille Roberts is uniquely positioned to capitalize on a growing demand currently not being met in these markets.'

As Lucille Roberts Area Developers, Cohn and Tannen are seeking individuals who recognize the growing market and tremendous profit potential of the brand. Prospective franchisees can either be active owner/operators or passive investors looking to diversify their portfolio. Since Lucille Roberts clubs typically range from 4,000 - 6,000 sq. ft. and are characteristically smaller than large format fitness centers, the total cost to open a club is approximately $300,000 with minimum liquid assets of $100,000.

Prospective Lucille Roberts franchisees throughout Florida and Georgia will benefit from high average unit volumes and average club revenues of $877,000 with net incomes of $194,000. Financing may be available for qualified applicants. Both single and multi-unit development opportunities are available. The franchise offering is by prospectus only.

'Lucille Roberts offers an extremely low cost for members, starting at only $5.00 per week, which gives prospective franchisees a distinct selling advantage over the competition and a predictive revenue model upon which to build their business,' said Cohn. 'Despite the current economic climate, Lucille Roberts sales continue to increase system wide because of the value we deliver to members, which includes the use of all club equipment, Zumba dance classes, and a wide variety of fitness and wellness programs.'

All Lucille Roberts' franchisees benefit from corporate and on-site training programs, regional field-based operations teams, customized management software, financial administration tools, real estate site selection, lease assistance, plus design and construction support. In addition, franchisees can take full advantage of one of the most advanced social media systems in the health club industry and have access to an extensive in-house team of marketing, advertising and public relations experts.

'Our secret to success over the last 35 years in franchising is partnering with business-minded franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to their guests every day,' said Tannen. 'Now, with Lucille Roberts, we're looking for franchisees that can appreciate the unique and growing niche market we serve because health and wellness should never suffer despite the economy. Additionally, each new Lucille Roberts club becomes a job creator and part of the economic engine of their respective community.'

Since its launch more than 40 years ago, Lucille Roberts has changed the health club industry's approach to women's fitness, nutrition and wellness by enriching its member's lives physically and emotionally. Furthermore, members benefit from low fees, which in turn help drive and fuel a franchisee's business. Each Lucille Roberts club offers nearly 50 different fitness and group exercise classes, a complete line of state-of-the-art cardio and weight lifting equipment, as well as weight loss coaching, diets, and products.

For information on franchise opportunities across Florida and Georgia, please call 1-800-329-3287.

About Lucille Roberts:

In 1969, Lucille Roberts began providing group aerobics classes, which were virtually unheard of at the time. Since then, the brand has been at the forefront of class trends, implementation and development. Over the past four decades, Lucille Roberts has developed the best fitness experience for women and in that time, the company has become more than a health club for its members and guests. Lucille Roberts is a source of wellness where nutrition, weight loss and exercise have formed the foundation for a healthier lifestyle. For information, visit www.lucilleroberts.com .

Contact: Carmen OrdonezFish Consulting954-893-9150cordonez@fish-consulting.com

SOURCE Lucille Roberts