News Summary
Cross Gates Family Fitness has taken over Franco’s Health Club and Spa, leading to a strategic partnership that aims to enhance fitness services. This merger will serve approximately 30,000 members while investing in renovations and expansions for Franco’s facilities. Cross Gates emphasizes local ownership and community engagement amidst growing competition in the health club market.
Mandeville, Louisiana – Cross Gates Family Fitness has officially taken over the management of Franco’s Health Club and Spa, marking a significant strategic partnership aimed at enhancing fitness services in the region. With locations in Mandeville and New Orleans, Franco’s will now be under the direction of Cross Gates Family Fitness, which operates three clubs in the Slidell area. This amalgamation will create a network that serves approximately 30,000 members and employs over 400 individuals across both franchises.
The owner of Cross Gates, Nate Welch, highlighted the importance of local ownership in this transition and announced plans for a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of Franco’s facilities. Such improvements are expected to elevate the member experience and expand the club’s offerings.
Franco’s Health Club was founded 37 years ago and has made a name for itself in the community, boasting an impressive 80,000-square-foot facility and hosting popular events like the Iceman Dip & Dash. The club is grateful for its legacy, and plans are in place to honor its historical significance while ensuring that current members continue to feel engaged and valued.
Ron and Sandy Franco, who have owned the club for decades, will remain actively involved in preserving the Franco’s brand and continue their commitment to the club’s members and employees during this transition. Despite the change in management, no immediate modifications to membership terms are being implemented, providing reassurance to existing members regarding their fitness experience.
In recent times, competitive pressures in the Northshore health club market have intensified. This sector has witnessed significant developments, including the acquisition of Pelican Athletic Club by the national chain Genesis Health Clubs. As a result, local businesses face competition from large chains such as Crunch and Planet Fitness, making the partnership between Cross Gates and Franco’s crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in quality service and community engagement.
Welch expressed a longstanding connection to other local clubs, stating that the industry’s holistic health and fitness landscape is of utmost importance. He noted ongoing support for the fitness community despite the growing competition from larger chains. Details regarding the specific terms of the business transaction leading to this partnership have yet to be disclosed to the public.
In addition to structural renovations, the planned improvements for Franco’s will encompass a variety of enhancements. These will include cosmetic updates and significant upgrades to fitness areas and pickleball courts, further diversifying options for members and enhancing the overall environment of the club.
The consolidation of Cross Gates Family Fitness and Franco’s Health Club and Spa is positioned not only as an operational move but also as a commitment to enhancing community wellness and service. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of each organization to provide superior fitness services and enhance member satisfaction. As these changes take place, both clubs are focusing on maintaining stability for their members while transitioning into an era of shared resources and expanded facilities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NOLA: Franco’s Cross Gates Health Club
- Wikipedia: Health club
- NOLA: Mandeville St. Tammany Genesis Health Club
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fitness
- Fox 8: Mandeville Health Club Embezzlement Case
- Google News: Health Clubs
- NOLA: Mandeville Health Club Embezzlement Worker
- Google Search: Fitness Industry News
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