The Little Gym International is the world's premier enrichment and physical development center for children ages four months through 12 and part of the youth enrichment growth-focused platform Unleashed Brands, announced today it has signed a franchise agreement which will bring three new locations to the Tampa Bay area over the next three years. Behind the deal are John and Dena Murphy, Tampa Bay locals who also own a successful Christian Brothers Automotive franchise in the area.
The Murphys currently run one of the top-performing Christian Brothers Automotive franchises in the United States. Since the Murphys' acquisition and investment in the store's employees and culture, annual revenue has increased by over 200% and ranks among the brand's top 5 stores. Prior to investing in that business, John spent 25 years working for his family's manufacturing company, where he managed a 350-employee operation. After the sale of that business in 2019, he and his wife turned to franchising, seeking a business opportunity that was a fit for their lifestyle.
"We were extremely impressed by the leadership team at Unleashed Brands, and The Little Gym felt like a natural next business opportunity for us," said John Murphy. "The concept and brand will fit perfectly in the Tampa Bay area, exploding with many new, young families. The franchise business model has been a dream come true for us the past couple of years with Christian Brothers, so we can't wait to dive further into the industry with Unleashed Brands."
The Murphys are targeting the Westchase area for their first The Little Gym location and have eyes on Odessa and Wesley Chapel for their second and third gyms.
Along with the Tampa Bay deal, The Little Gym also recently secured franchise agreements which will bring new locations to Minnesota, North Carolina, Washington, Texas, Tennessee, New Mexico, and Wisconsin, set to continue the brand's impressive growth trajectory well beyond 2023. Since becoming a part of the Unleashed Brands portfolio last year, the brand is experiencing record-breaking systemwide revenue, average revenue per gym, and enrollment numbers across its U.S. locations.
With nearly 400 locations across 31 countries, The Little Gym teaches kids social and physical skills appropriate to each stage of childhood by creating opportunities to experience achievement and build self-confidence. At the core of the international franchise's mission is becoming the foundation of a child's development that will set them up for success. Through three-dimensional learning including physical activities, cognitive skills and social and emotional learning, the core teaching methods create opportunities for children to experience achievement and build self-confidence.
For more information on franchising with The Little Gym, visit https://www.thelittlegymfranchise.com/.