Uncovering the Truth: Who Really Owns Chuze Fitness?

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Have you ever driven by a Chuze Fitness center and wondered who owns this popular gym chain? With locations in multiple states across the United States, it’s no surprise that this question often comes to mind. As the health and fitness industry continues to grow, it’s important to know the faces behind the businesses we invest our time and money into. In this article, we’ll delve into the ownership of Chuze Fitness and explore the individuals and company behind its success. Get ready to discover the story behind one of America’s favorite gym franchises.

A Brief Overview of Chuze Fitness

Chuze Fitness is a popular gym chain with over 30 locations spread across California, Arizona, and Colorado. It was founded in 2008 by Cory Brightwell and Charles Goldenberg, two fitness enthusiasts who wanted to create an affordable and welcoming gym experience for all.

With a focus on community, value, and convenience, Chuze Fitness has become one of the fastest-growing gym chains in the country. Each location offers state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes, personal training services, and more at an affordable price point.

But who exactly owns Chuze Fitness? Let’s dive into the details.

The Founders: Cory Brightwell and Charles Goldenberg

As mentioned earlier, Cory Brightwell and Charles Goldenberg are the co-founders of Chuze Fitness. They met in college while both working at a local gym and bonded over their love for fitness.

After graduating, they took on corporate jobs but still found time to work out together. However, they were disappointed with the high prices and lack of community at most gyms. This led them to sell their homes to fund their dream of starting a budget-friendly gym chain.

In 2008, they opened the first Chuze Fitness location in Carlsbad, California. From the beginning, their goal was to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of their fitness level.

Expansion and Current Ownership

After launching their first location, Brightwell and Goldenberg quickly expanded to other areas in California before branching out to Arizona and Colorado. As of now, there are 33 Chuze Fitness locations with plans for continued growth in the future.

In 2017, Brightwell stepped down as CEO but remains involved as a board member. The current CEO is Matt Spoden who previously served as CFO at LA Fitness. This move marks the first time a non-founding member has taken the role of CEO at Chuze Fitness.

In addition to Spoden and Brightwell, other members of the executive team include Charles Goldenberg as Chief Development Officer, Kris Peterson as COO, and Corey Mercurio as CFO.

The Board of Directors

Along with the executive team, Chuze Fitness also has a board of directors consisting of experienced professionals from various industries. These individuals provide guidance and support to help steer the company’s growth and success.

The board is currently composed of six members including Cory Brightwell, Scott Carter (founder and CEO of Asset Campus Housing), Lou Lopez (co-founder of Chuze Fitness), Brett Lovelady (founder and CEO of Njoy), Dave Pastor (Founder and CEO of Sage Advice LLC.), and Matt Spoden.

Investors

Funding plays a crucial role in any business’s success, and Chuze Fitness is no exception. While Brightwell and Goldenberg initially used their own money to start the gym chain, they later received investments from private equity firm North Castle Partners in 2015.

North Castle Partners is known for investing in companies focused on fitness, beauty, food, and wellness. They have an impressive track record with previous investments in successful brands like Equinox, Pure Barre, Barry’s Bootcamp, Strava Craft Coffee, and more.

Community-Oriented Business Model

One unique aspect of Chuze Fitness is its focus on community. Besides offering affordable gym memberships to diverse populations, each location also partners with local businesses to offer exclusive discounts to members. This partnership creates a network that benefits both members and local entrepreneurs.

Additionally, Chuze Fitness regularly hosts events like Zumba dance parties or charity boot camps that bring members together for a good cause. They also support various charities through donations made by members during their monthly membership fee.

Future Plans for Chuze Fitness

Chuze Fitness has made significant strides since its humble beginnings, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The company plans to continue expanding to new locations and exploring innovative ways to create a supportive gym environment for its members.

Moreover, Chuze Fitness has embraced technology to stay ahead of the curve. It recently launched a mobile app that provides members with personalized workout plans, goal tracking, class schedules, and more. This app has made it easier for members to access their favorite Chuze Fitness features while on-the-go.

The company also has plans to incorporate more digital fitness solutions in the future, providing members with virtual workout options and online coaching services.

Chuze Fitness is the brainchild of Cory Brightwell and Charles Goldenberg, two fitness enthusiasts on a mission to make working out accessible and affordable for everyone. With its community-focused business model, the gym chain has become a beloved brand in just over a decade since its inception.

While Brightwell and Goldenberg no longer hold leadership roles at Chuze Fitness, they continue to be involved in guiding the company’s growth alongside an experienced team of executives and board members.

As for who owns Chuze Fitness now

History of Chuze Fitness

Chuze Fitness is a popular chain of fitness centers that was founded in 2008 by brothers Cory and Chuck Jabbour. The first location opened in Carlsbad, California and over the years, the franchise has expanded to include over 30 locations across the United States. The company’s overarching mission is to provide affordable and convenient fitness options for people of all ages and fitness levels.

While some may view Chuze Fitness as a relatively new player in the fitness industry, its founders have been involved in the health and wellness world for decades. Before opening their own gyms, Cory and Chuck worked for other well-known fitness brands, gaining valuable experience and insider knowledge along the way.

Ownership Structure

As a privately owned company, Chuze Fitness is not publicly traded on the stock market. This means that there is no way for individual investors to own a stake in the company. Instead, Chuze Fitness is owned by its founders, Cory and Chuck Jabbour, as well as any stakeholders they choose to partner with.

The exact ownership structure of Chuze Fitness is not publicly disclosed, but it is believed that Cory and Chuck hold a majority ownership stake in the company. It is also worth noting that many of Chuze Fitness’ locations are independently owned and operated franchises, meaning that while they operate under the brand name, they are not directly owned by the company.

Nature of Ownership

Chuze Fitness’ ownership structure allows for maximum flexibility and control over the direction of the company. As private owners, Cory and Chuck have free reign to make decisions without needing approval from outside shareholders or investors.

This gives them the ability to focus on their mission of providing affordable fitness options without being tied down by outside pressures or interests. It also allows them to maintain a hands-on approach to running their business and ensuring that the quality of their gyms and services remains high.

Future Plans for Ownership

While there are currently no plans for a change in ownership, it is clear that Chuze Fitness has big plans for the future. In recent years, the franchise has seen significant growth and success, expanding to new locations across the country. This suggests that the company’s leadership is committed to their brand and have no plans to sell or go public anytime soon.

However, as with any business, it is possible that in the future, ownership could change hands through a merger or acquisition. For now, Chuze Fitness remains a privately owned company with a clear vision and strong leadership.

In conclusion, Chuze Fitness is owned by its founders Cory and Chuck Jabbour and any other stakeholders they may choose to partner with. As private owners, they have been able to grow their business while remaining true to their mission of providing affordable and convenient fitness options for all. As they continue to expand into new markets and attract more customers, it is clear that Chuze Fitness’ ownership structure has served them well thus far.

Q: Who owns Chuze Fitness?
A: Chuze Fitness is owned by siblings Kris Peterson and Cory Brightwell, who co-founded the company in 2008.

Q: What is the ownership structure of Chuze Fitness?
A: Chuze Fitness is a privately-owned company with Peterson and Brightwell serving as co-owners and co-CEOs.

Q: Does Chuze Fitness have any other owners or investors?
A: No, Peterson and Brightwell are the only owners of Chuze Fitness. The company has not announced any other owners or investors.

Q: How did Kris Peterson and Cory Brightwell come to own Chuze Fitness?
A: Peterson and Brightwell started their careers as personal trainers before deciding to open their own fitness club. They founded Chuze Fitness together in 2008 and have continued to serve as co-owners and co-CEOs since then.

Q: What is Kris Peterson’s background in the fitness industry?
A: Prior to co-founding Chuze Fitness, Kris Peterson worked as a personal trainer for over 15 years. He also has experience in real estate development, which has helped in growing the business aspect of Chuze Fitness.

Q: What does the ownership of Chuze Fitness mean for its members?
A: As private owners, Kris Peterson and Cory Brightwell are very involved in the day-to-day operations of Chuze Fitness. This allows them to prioritize member satisfaction and continuously improve the services offered at each location.

In conclusion, it can be established that Chuze Fitness is owned by a private equity firm, Roark Capital Group. However, the journey of Chuze Fitness ownership has been a complex one, with several changes in ownership over the years. Despite this, Chuze Fitness remains a reputable and thriving fitness chain with numerous locations across the United States.

From its humble beginnings as a family-owned business to its current ownership by Roark Capital Group, Chuze Fitness has consistently prioritized providing affordable and high-quality fitness services to its members. This commitment to customer satisfaction has allowed them to maintain a loyal customer base and continue expanding their presence in the fitness industry.

Furthermore, the involvement of Roark Capital Group has brought about several enhancements to Chuze Fitness operations and infrastructure. This includes investments in new equipment and facilities, improved customer service, and strategic partnerships with other fitness brands.

Ultimately, understanding who owns Chuze Fitness helps provide valuable insights into the evolution of the company and its success in the competitive fitness market. As a final takeaway, it is clear that Chuze Fitness’s success is attributed not only to its ownership but also to its dedication towards providing an exceptional fitness experience for all members.

Author Profile

Avatar
Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.