Rooted in its sunny California vibes, Gold’s Gym has inked a development agreement that will bring 17 locations to Toronto as part of its broader expansion
Gold’s Gym is returning to Ontario following a development rights agreement with a franchisee that will see the opening of 17 Gold’s Gym locations in the greater Toronto and Hamilton area.
The first gym is expected to open in 2025.
Fitness industry veteran Tony Caparotta, who grew up in Toronto, is leading Gold’s Gym development in the area, which is part of a larger plan to expand the gym brand’s presence in North America. A new Gold’s Gym opened in Calgary, Alberta, earlier this year, and the renowned gym brand says it will have opened eight new gyms in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2024.
“I look forward to bringing the world’s most well-known fitness brand to their neighborhoods,” Caparotta said. “Gold’s Gym has always held a special place in my heart due to my previous supplier relationship with the Canadian clubs, and I’ve admired Gold’s ability to resonate with multiple generations, particularly Gen Z and Gen Y, who are a significant demographic in the fitness industry.”
Kevin Christie, Gold’s Gym vice president of franchising, noted that the gym brand is returning to its bodybuilding roots with a focus on strength and performance training.
“Franchisees like Tony know the power of the brand and will bring it to life in Toronto for the serious fitness buffs and bodybuilders who want to fulfill their potential and reach their fitness goals,” he added.
The new Gold’s Gym facilities will be designed in a modern aesthetic that celebrates the original gym in Venice Beach, California – the one where Arnold Schwarzenegger trained, which helped put the gym brand on the map. The bodybuilding legend launched a fitness app this year.
In addition to Canada, Gold’s Gym has existing franchise agreements to expand in Atlanta, Long Island, Miami, Washington, D.C., San Jose, and Southern California — which has also been opening new clubs and upgrading existing facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities from Eleiko and WellnessSpace Brands.
As the iconic gym brand continues to scale, Gold’s Gym says it’s seeking qualified franchisees for the Boston, Denver, New York, and Jacksonville, Florida, markets.
Northern Ambitions
Canada has become a hotspot for fitness, physical activity, and recovery. Indoor pickleball franchises The Picklr and Pickleball Kingdom are both opening pickleball facilities in Canada, while sauna-fitness franchise Hotworx is looking to bring its unique boutique fitness concept to the country. Last fall, Anytime Fitness’s parent company, Self Esteem Brands, announced that AF National Franchising LTD had granted Anytime Fitness master franchisee for all of Canada.
