The best barre franchise to open is Barre3. It offers the best mix of high income for owners, a supportive company, and strong growth. While other franchises might have bigger names, Barre3 provides the most balanced and safest path to success for a new owner.
If you are thinking about opening a barre franchise, you have three main choices: Pure Barre, Barre3, and The Bar Method. Pure Barre is the largest and has the potential for very high revenue, but it is a high-risk choice due to challenges with its parent company. The Bar Method has the highest fees and is not growing, making it a difficult financial choice.
Here is a quick look at how the top three barre franchises compare:
| Franchise | Investment Range | Average Revenue | Ongoing Fees | Growth (YoY) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barre3 | $409k - $651k | $413,794 | 8% | +25 units | Best Overall |
| Pure Barre | $314k - $629k | $368,588 | 9% | +2 units | High Risk |
| The Bar Method | $304k - $511k | $352,656 (Median) | 13% | -1 unit | Not Recommended |
Source: Data compiled from 2025 Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and industry analysis. Pure Barre FDD, Barre3 FDD, Bar Method FDD
A Detailed Look at the Top 3 Barre Franchises
Choosing a franchise is a big decision. Let's break down the pros and cons of Pure Barre, Barre3, and The Bar Method to see why Barre3 comes out on top.
Barre3: The Best Overall Choice
Barre3 is the strongest and most stable option for a new franchise owner. It has a great reputation for supporting its owners and a strong financial track record.
- High Revenue: Barre3 studios have the highest average revenue of the three, at $413,794 per year. This means more money is coming in the door.
- Lower Fees: The ongoing fees are 8% of your gross revenue (6% royalty + 2% marketing). This is lower than Pure Barre and much lower than The Bar Method.
- Strong Growth: The company is growing fast. It added 25 new locations in 2024, partly by buying another franchise called The Barre Code. This shows that the company is healthy and expanding.
- Higher Investment: The initial investment for a Barre3 studio is the highest of the three, ranging from $409,000 to $651,000. You will need more money to get started.
Pure Barre: A High-Risk, High-Reward Option
Pure Barre is the biggest name in the barre world, and its top studios make a lot of money. But the company has some challenges that make it a risky choice.
- Highest Potential Revenue: The top 25% of Pure Barre studios make an average of $588,040 per year. This is the highest of any barre franchise. If you can get into the top tier, the financial rewards are huge.
- Brand Recognition: With over 600 locations, Pure Barre is the most well-known barre brand. This can make it easier to attract customers when you first open.
- Corporate Scandal: Pure Barre's parent company, Xponential Fitness, is facing lawsuits from investors, action from government regulators, and its CEO was recently forced out. This instability is a cause for concern according to California regulators.
- Poor Owner Support: Based on public reviews, the company has a reputation for not supporting its owners. In one case, Xponential sold 68 studios to a new owner who immediately stopped paying employees, causing the studios to close overnight. Xponential's response was that it did not have oversight of their operations according to Business Insider.
- Negative Owner Reviews: Many former Pure Barre owners have shared negative experiences online. They talk about struggling for years without making a profit, needing to keep their day jobs to survive, and feeling a lack of support from the company according to Reddit discussions.
- Stagnant Growth: The company is barely growing. It only added 2 new studios in 2024, down from 13 new studios in 2022. This suggests the market may be full or that new owners are hesitant to join.
The Bar Method: Financially Less Attractive
The Bar Method has a long history and is owned by a stable company, but the numbers just don't work for the average owner.
- Stable Parent Company: The Bar Method is owned by Self Esteem Brands, the same company that owns Anytime Fitness. This is a large, reputable company, which provides some stability.
- Slightly Lower Investment: The initial investment is a little lower than the others, starting at $304,000.
- Highest Fees: The ongoing fees are a whopping 13% of your gross revenue (6% royalty + 7% marketing). This is the highest in the industry, making it very hard to turn a profit.
- Lowest Revenue: The median revenue for a Bar Method studio is only $352,656 per year. When you combine the lowest revenue with the highest fees, there is very little left for the owner.
- Negative Growth: The company is shrinking. It lost one studio in the most recent reporting period. This is a bad sign for the franchise's health.
Financial Performance: A Head-to-Head Comparison
When you look at the numbers, it becomes clear why Barre3 is the best choice for the average owner. Let's compare what an owner can expect to take home from each franchise.
Average Studio Performance
For an average studio, Barre3 provides the highest take-home pay for the owner. Even though the revenue is similar to Pure Barre, the lower fees at Barre3 mean more money in the owner's pocket. The Bar Method, with its high fees, comes in a distant third.
| Franchise | Average Revenue | Owner Take-Home (After All Costs) | Effective Profit Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barre3 | $413,794 | $63,356 | 15.3% |
| Pure Barre | $368,588 | $19,461 | 5.3% |
| The Bar Method | $352,656 | -$8,127 (Negative) | -2.3% |
Source: First-principles analysis based on FDD data. Assumes a 70% financed investment.
Top Studio Performance
If you are a top performer, Pure Barre has the highest income potential. Its top studios generate significantly more revenue, which allows it to overcome the higher fees. However, this is a best-case scenario and does not account for the risks of the parent company.
| Franchise | Top 25% Revenue | Owner Take-Home (After All Costs) | Effective Profit Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Barre | $588,040 | $88,303 | 15.0% |
| Barre3 | $413,794 | $63,356 | 15.3% |
| The Bar Method | Not Disclosed | N/A | N/A |
Source: First-principles analysis based on FDD data. Assumes a 70% financed investment.
Which Franchise is Best for You?
No single franchise is perfect for everyone. The best choice for you depends on your goals, your financial situation, and how much risk you are willing to take.
- You want the safest and most balanced option
- You value a supportive franchisor
- You want strong growth potential
- You can afford the higher initial investment
- You are confident you can be a top performer
- You have a high tolerance for risk
- You want the biggest brand name
- You are comfortable with corporate instability
- You are looking for strong financial returns
- The 13% ongoing fees are too high for your business model
- You want a growing franchise
The Case for an Independent Studio
Before making your final decision, you should seriously consider opening an independent barre studio instead of buying a franchise. The numbers show that going independent can be more profitable and give you much more control over your business.
Why Independent Studios Can Be More Profitable
When you own an independent studio, you keep all of your revenue. You don't pay ongoing franchise fees, which can eat up 8% to 13% of everything you make. This difference adds up quickly and can mean the difference between struggling and thriving.
An owner-operated independent barre studio can achieve a profit margin of 54%, compared to just 22% for the average franchise. This means you keep more than twice as much of every dollar that comes in the door. You can find a detailed analysis of how much you can earn as an independent barre studio owner in my guide.
| Studio Type | Average Revenue | Owner Take-Home | Profit Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent (Owner-Operator) | $300,000 | $67,316 | 54% |
| Barre3 Franchise (Average) | $413,794 | $63,356 | 15.3% |
| Pure Barre Franchise (Average) | $368,588 | $19,461 | 5.3% |
Source: Analysis based on independent studio profitability research and franchise FDD data.
Lower Startup Costs
Independent studios also cost less to open. While franchises require investments of $300,000 to $650,000, you can open a quality independent barre studio for much less.
A budget independent studio can be opened for as little as $40,000 to $55,000. A mid-range studio with better equipment and finishes costs around $120,000 to $160,000. Even a premium independent studio with top-of-the-line everything typically costs $280,000 to $380,000, which is still less than most franchises.
The lower investment means you can pay back your costs faster and start making a real profit sooner.
You Need the Right Software
If you decide to go independent, you will need professional barre studio management software to compete with the big franchises.
StudioGrowth is the all-in-one software built for independent studios. Get everything you need: bookings, billing, marketing, and your own branded mobile app, all without the franchise fees.
See Barre Studio Management SoftwareFinal Thoughts: Make the Right Choice for You
Opening a barre studio is a big investment. If you decide to go the franchise route, Barre3 is the best choice for most people. It offers the best combination of financial performance, owner support, and growth.
However, before you sign a franchise agreement, take a serious look at opening an independent studio. The financial benefits are significant, and you will have complete control over your business. With the right software and a solid business plan, you can build a successful barre studio on your own terms.
