Roach parts in ramekin, rodent poop, moldy food, filth at Wichita KS restaurants
Pieces of a dead roach in a ramekin, a pest infestation at a school, rodent poop on items that touch food, moldy plantains, dirty kitchen conditions, a business owner who refused an inspection, burn holes in hotel room bedding and more are among violations Kansas Department of Agriculture inspectors discovered during recent food safety and lodging inspections in the Wichita area.
Each week, The Eagle adds to its searchable database of failed inspections from Sedgwick County. Twelve restaurants, hotels and other businesses were non-compliant with state regulations from May 4-10.
Inspectors found few or no violations at more than 50 other businesses deemed compliant with food safety and lodging rules.
Inspections are meant to protect the public from foodborne illnesses and other health risks. Establishments can fail if they have too many problems, certain types of violations or issues that can't be fixed right away.
Violations are common. Most of the time, businesses correct issues in front of an inspector. Examples of things that can be addressed immediately are serving food that's more than a week old, employees mishandling ingredients and dirty kitchens. Issues that take longer to correct include pest infestations, power outages and plumbing problems.
It's rare, but a business may temporarily shut down over violations. Places that fail are usually reinspected within 10 days.
The list in this story was compiled on May 13 using information available from the state on that date. It only covers Sedgwick County. But you can search food and lodging inspection results elsewhere in Kansas at https://foodsafety.kda.ks.gov/FoodSafety/Web/Inspection/PublicInspectionSearch.aspx.
Chiang Mai Thai Restaurant, 3141 S. Hillside in Wichita — Ten violations on May 5 during an inspection that was a follow-up to an administrative order. Violations include a bean sprouts container that was not properly marked with its package opening date, plastic bags that touch food were contaminated with rodent droppings, employee handled clean dishes without washing hands after putting dirty dishes in dishwasher, raw chicken stored above ready-to-eat rice noodles, small gap at back door can let pests in building, 'pieces of a dead cockroach inside of ramekin,' several fresh and dried rodent droppings in establishment including a buildup of feces by mop sink, trash bags of cans and dirty milk crates sitting by door is creating harborage conditions for pests, excessive buildup of food debris and grease in kitchen, trash and debris under kitchen equipment, pile of insecticide powder on a piece of cardboard by bathrooms. Next inspection: July 5.
Deano's on Pier 37, 7337 W. 37th St. North in Wichita — Two violations on May 6 during a modified complaint inspection. Violations include chicken tortilla soup that wasn't hot enough in a steam well, shredded lettuce and cut cabbage wasn't kept cold enough, raw shrimp was sitting out at room temperature. Next inspection: May 16.
Delicias De El Salvador, 1523 S. Seneca in Wichita — Six violations on May 5 during a routine inspection. Violations include raw eggs stored above ready-to-eat foods and produce, incorrect and uncalibrated thermometer for meat, coleslaw wasn't kept cold enough, sliced tomatoes and pupusa fillings weren't kept cold enough, overripe and moldy plantains, restaurant was leaving chicken tamales out at room temperature without proper paperwork and approval from the state, no hot water at front preparation area hand-washing sink. Next inspection: May 15.
Delux Inn, 8401 W. Kellogg Drive in Wichita — Four violations across two inspections. On May 5 during a modified complaint inspection, the smoke detector in room 139 was missing a battery and didn't work, and numerous roaches of various sizes were found in room 149. On May 9 during a reopening inspection, four live roaches were seen in room 149. Room 149 will remain closed to guests until it is treated by a licensed pest control operator, all signs of pests have been removed and reinspected. Next inspection: June 5.
El Gusto (mobile vendor/food truck), 1601 N. Meridian in Wichita — Five violations on May 4 during a routine inspection. Violations include no written plan for cleaning up vomiting or diarrhea incidents, food thermometer not provided during the inspection, hand-washing sink was blocked by bags and pots, employee handled food after touching her cellphone without washing hands or changing gloves, fries held at unsafe temperature. Next inspection: May 14.
Franklin Elementary School, 214 S. Elizabeth in Wichita — One violation on May 6 during a follow-up inspection. Live roach seen in the cafeteria in a sports gear and equipment room. 'The P.E. teacher stated when they go in there to get equipment out they see roaches almost every time in different baskets/bins. In the custodial room next to the sports gear room a large trash bin was seen filled with food debris and food liquid and had not been cleaned as ordered during their last inspection,' the report says. Next inspection: May 16.
LMD, LLC (same address as J's Diner), 4834 E. Lincoln in Wichita — Four violations on May 9 during a follow-up inspection. Violations include a gallon of milk that wasn't labeled with the date it was opened, unlabeled spray bottles of cleaner, no paper towels at kitchen hand-washing sink, meats including ribs and brisket and mashed potatoes weren't cold enough in the refrigerator. Next inspection: May 19.
Motel 6 & Studio 6, 5736 W. Kellogg Drive in Wichita — Nine violations on May 5 during a complaint inspection. Violations include a missing smoke detector, non-functional smoke detectors, no evacuation diagrams posted in several rooms, no records for carbon monoxide detector checks, burn holes in bed covers, non-functional carbon monoxide detector in utility room, outdated fire extinguisher tags, non-GFCI outlets were installed near water sources, no records showing smoke detectors are checked every six months. Next inspection: May 15.
Seneca General Store, 1003 S. Seneca in Wichita — Four violations on May 8 during a routine inspection. Violations include foods in reach-in cooler including breakfast sandwiches and meat-and-cheese pouches that weren't kept cold enough, no ambient thermometer in reach-in cooler, store was using pesticides that aren't approved by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, live roach in cabinet under coffee station. Next inspection: May 19.
Smash Bros (mobile vendor/food truck), 9809 W. Par Lane in Wichita — Two violations on May 7 during an expired license inspection. Violations include no running water at a hand-washing sink, the owner refused an inspection related to an expired license. Next inspection: July 7.
Wendy's, 6404 W. Kellogg Drive in Wichita — One violation on May 5 during a follow-up inspection. Sliced tomatoes and cut lettuce were not kept cold enough. Next inspection: July 7.
Yokohama Ramen Joint, 613 W. Douglas, Suite A in Wichita — Nine violations on May 8 during a routine inspection. Violations include ramen base and boba that were sitting out at room temperature instead of being stored in a refrigerator, cleaning products stored in hand-washing sinks, unlabeled spray bottle of sanitizer near food, dishwashing machine was not dispensing sanitizer, boba was not held at a safe temperature, bin of cooked chicken wasn't labeled with preparation and other dates, the restaurant couldn't provide inspector with shell stock tags for clams and mussels, broken plumbing at hand-washing sink, food debris on clean equipment. Next inspection: May 19.
If you see problems at a food or lodging establishment, you can file a complaint.
To notify the state about unsavory or questionable conditions anywhere that serves or sells food to the public, email kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767. You can also file a complaint at www.foodsafetykansas.org.
To report an illness you think was caused by a restaurant, food or event where food was served, contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 877-427-7317 or www.foodsafetykansas.org.
Complaints about conditions at hotels and motels can be submitted at www.agriculture.ks.gov/public-resources/comments-complaints/lodging-complaint.
For more information about foodborne illnesses, visit www.foodsafety.gov.
Note: Sometimes addresses listed — especially for mobile vendors and food trucks — are not where food is actually served to the public. Contact those establishments directly for specific service locations.
The violation summaries were compiled and drafted with the help of AI tools. They were fact-checked for accuracy and edited by Wichita Eagle journalists.
Ants in chips, food kept on floor, cockroaches, grime at Wichita KS restaurants
Old & moldy meats, roaches, no vomit & diarrhea plans at Wichita KS restaurants
'Slimy residue,' cockroaches by coffee, outdated meat at Wichita KS restaurants
Mouse poop in peanuts, old hot dogs, more health risks at Wichita KS restaurants
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gizmodo
39 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
23andMe Re-Opens Data Auction With $305 Million Bid From Former CEO
After a brief court dispute, 23andMe and all its assets are up for auction once again. The second time around, former CEO Amy Wojcicki has started out hot with an opening bid nearly $50 million higher than the previous auction's winner. Last month, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals purchased the bankrupt 23andMe for $256 million, beating out Wojcicki's nonprofit, TTAM Research Institute's opening bid by over $100 million. However, Wojcicki quickly requested that a U.S. judge reopen the auction. In her filing, Wojcicki argued that 23andMe's advisors capped her maximum bid at $250 million due to concerns about TTAM's 'financial wherewithal.' Now, Wojcicki says she has the additional backing of an unnamed Fortune 500 company valued at over $400 billion. On Wednesday, all parties involved reached a compromise in federal court, according to Bloomberg, which allowed Wojcicki to reopen the process with a $305 million bid. Now, Regeneron can counter with an offer of at least $315 million. After that, Wojcicki gets another bid and then Regeneron can respond with the auction's final offer. The downfall of 23andMe has been fascinating to watch. Once valued at $6 billion, 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March after its worth plummeted to nearly $0. Pinpointing the exact cause of 23andMe's collapse is hard. You can easily argue that it was inevitable given the limits of its original concept. Although the company tried finding other ways to generate profit, nothing really worked. For example, last year, the Washington Post reported that 23andMe's attempt to launch a subscription service with personalized reports and advice bombed. However, 23andMe's massive 2023 data breach certainly didn't help its survival. Hackers were able to obtain information about 6.9 million people, including names, birth years, relationship labels, family names, and locations. 23andMe took five months to notice the hack, two months to publicly admit its true severity, and even tried placing the blame on customers. (Per Bloomberg, 23andMe is trying to resolve claims from a class action lawsuit related to the data breach as part of the bankruptcy.) Personally, I think it's silly to trust any company within the consumer DNA testing industry. If you have a similar view, you're likely not super affected by 23andMe's bankruptcy. So, you might not care about the ongoing auction. However, the fact that it's even allowed to proceed at all is concerning. What's ultimately up for sale right now is 23andMe's database of over 15 million people's DNA. When the auction was first announced, California's Attorney General urged people to request that 23andMe delete their data and lawmakers opened an investigation stating that with 'the lack of a federal comprehensive data privacy and security law, we write to express our great concern about the safety of Americans' most sensitive personal information.' Under 23andMe's privacy policy, your information is deleted upon request. Whichever bidder wins the auction has agreed to comply with the existing promise. But no one who used 23andMe's products explicitly agreed to be part of this trade deal. The sale of something as sensitive as DNA, which you cannot change like a password or an email address, should require more than implicit consent. In other words, it shouldn't be up to an individual to opt out by requesting their data to be deleted. Without explicit permission from each person in that database, the sale shouldn't be allowed to go on at all.
Health Line
41 minutes ago
- Health Line
Gut Check: A Dietitian's Take on Creating a Space that Supports Your Gut Health
Key takeaways For a happy gut, try to stock your fridge and pantry with whole, natural foods that contain pre- and probiotics. Organize your space and designate areas for types of food prep to create a 'flow' that makes it easy to navigate. Nutrition expert Jared Meacham shares some tips about creating a gut-healthy kitchen. Hint: it doesn't have to involve tons of cooking. With the right tools, there are plenty of quick, easy options. Tummy. Stomach. Gut. Gastrointestinal (GI) tract. So many names, even more microorganisms — at least 100 trillion in fact. Most of these are important for your digestive health. Other, less helpful microorganisms can affect your GI tract in negative ways. Gut health, in short, refers to the diversity and balance of around 200 different species of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in your digestive tract. Most microorganisms in your gut are meant to help you digest food, stabilize your metabolism, lower gut inflammation, and more. If your gut has been acting a little funky lately, it's most likely trying to tell you something about what you've been eating. Listening to your body and prioritizing your gut health can help improve your overall health as well. Our expert | John Meacham Jared Meacham, PhD., RD, CSCS Dr. Jared Meacham is a registered dietitian, fitness professional, and educator. He manages the global fitness programming for an international development institution, teaches at the university level, and practices dietetics in a variety of settings. Throughout the article, he shares some tips for a gut-friendly place, from everything food and prep to tools and kitchen space Getting started | food & nutrition Before we get into it, let's refresh on two things that are essential to keeping your gut health in check: probiotics and prebiotics. If fiber and whole, natural foods are not a staple for your diet, try and focus your attention on eating foods that contain more prebiotics. If you're eating whole foods like vegetables and high fiber foods but know you're not getting enough probiotics (fermented foods), try and make that your focus to rebuild your microbiome. Staples for gut health Healthy eating ideally consists of having at least half your plate filled with vegetables and fruits. 'Prioritize accessibility to staple foods that make up 80% of your healthy diet,' Dr. Meacham suggests. Let's break it down further. *Note that these are not exhaustive lists. Adjust as you need to, and avoid anything that makes your gut feel worse. Frozen fruits, veggies, and bread These can be huge time savers, suitable to use in a variety of dishes Ultimately it's the prebiotics that are going to feed and nourish the probiotics that need to be maintained in order to optimize immunity, digestion, and absorption. Creating your healthy kitchen: How to get started Think of your kitchen like a huge bag that has your all-day essentials inside. Over time you gather receipts, change, chapstick, and other items you might need. Sometimes you throw these things in, other times you try and place them mindfully. But then, at the end of the day, you need your keys. And you look down and see everything you've accumulated except for those shiny, metal prongs. Dr. Meacham shares that 'creating a clutter-free kitchen helps you maintain a mentality of healthfulness…[A cluttered kitchen] can overwhelm the senses and cause us to be less mindful of our relationship with the foods we are preparing.' When you're trying to commit to eating healthier, having a clutter-free environment may make things easier. Create your 'flow state' After identifying what you need to get your gut back on track food-wise, consider your kitchen space and where you'd like to see everything. Consider the 'flow of work' you'll need to follow to get from point A (i.e., the fridge) to point Z (i.e., the oven). 'By designating spaces for various foods and equipment, your movement through your kitchen becomes efficient and logical,' says Dr. Meacham. 'This minimizes rushing around and trying to locate essential tools by ensuring all of your kitchen equipment is mindfully stored.' Storage and placements Before placing your items, get a feel for how you'll be moving around the kitchen, whether that's blending a smoothie or making a sandwich. Keeping foods that aren't part of your healthy eating plan out of sight may help limit cravings. 'Create a store,' Dr. Meacham suggests. In a scenario where you're starting to make your meal, think of it as grocery shopping to get your ingredients together. Try and prep your food near to where you'll finish cooking. If space is limited, you might consider a rolling table or island as your prep station or finishing section. You can hold foods here, prepare them, and then move them to wherever they need to go. In terms of storing foods, Dr. Meacham shares what goes best in the pantry, fridge, and freezer below: Pantry items Keep the pantry dry, cool, and dark. seasonings and spices teas, coffee, etc. whole grains canned and preserved (jarred) foods bananas (best at room temperature) Fridge items Maintain a temperature of 41°F. Temps are cooler in the back, warmer in the front. vegetables fruits like citrus, berries, and apples dairy products fermented foods proteins By having designated spaces for all of the items in your kitchen, you [help] create a healthy and sanitary process of food preparation that is enjoyable and stress-free. Freezer items Anything you want to eat at a later date or time. breads or grain products proteins or meat products frozen produce homemade foods to eat later Other tips If the pantry isn't cool, store these products in the fridge. oils nuts & seeds nut butters Action plan: One step at a time Getting everything together is one thing, but implementing new steps and habits is another. If there's one tip to remember, it's to take things one step at a time and be kind to yourself. Bumps in the road are common and almost expected. It's OK to give yourself leeway, and the key is to keep your intention in mind when setting these goals for yourself. Dr. Meacham recommends that 'anytime you make a food choice that doesn't align with your healthy plan, restart your healthy eating approach immediately. Avoid allowing one unplanned 'mishap' to derail your healthy eating progress.' Avoid the 'starting on Monday' mentality. Instead, start now. There are an endless number of Mondays in front of us. If we rely on this mentality, we do more starting over than moving forward. If you're into meal prepping or it's something you're trying, another goal could be to prepare lean proteins in bulk. 'This will usually be something like cooking a number of chicken breasts, a couple steaks, pork chops, or [another form of protein],' Dr. Meacham says. 'By preparing quality, lean proteins, you minimize kitchen time and increase the likelihood of sticking to your healthy dietary approach.' Takeaways Gut health is important not only for digestion, but for your overall being. It may help to try to create an uncluttered kitchen space that makes it easier to prep food, cook a meal every once in a while, or make a quick healthy snack. If you're new to this approach, remember that it takes time to learn and adapt to new processes and habits. As long as you're consistent, intentional, and true to your needs, you can take steps to support your gut health and create a gut-friendly kitchen. Frequently asked questions about creating a healthy kitchen for gut health How do I know I have gut issues? Some signs of unbalanced gut bacteria can include an upset stomach, unintentional weight changes, and fatigue. Some signs of unbalanced gut bacteria can include an upset stomach, unintentional weight changes, and fatigue. What is the fastest way to improve gut health? While there is no quick fix to improving gut health, maintaining a diet that is rich in fiber, whole foods like vegetables and fruit, and probiotic-containing foods like yogurt can help. If you need some help figuring out how to balance your diet, talk with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to find a plan that best suits your needs. While there is no quick fix to improving gut health, maintaining a diet that is rich in fiber, whole foods like vegetables and fruit, and probiotic-containing foods like yogurt can help. If you need some help figuring out how to balance your diet, talk with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to find a plan that best suits your needs. What role does the gut microbiome play in overall health? The gut microbiome produces vitamins, essential amino acids, and fatty acid byproducts that serve as an energy source for intestinal cells. Research has linked gut health to various bodily systems, including the immune system, metabolic processes, and chronic conditions. The gut microbiome produces vitamins, essential amino acids, and fatty acid byproducts that serve as an energy source for intestinal cells. Research has linked gut health to various bodily systems, including the immune system, metabolic processes, and chronic conditions. Are there specific dietary recommendations for gut health during pregnancy? During pregnancy, it's important to focus on gut health while meeting increased nutritional needs. Specific dietary recommendations include consuming fatty fish (while avoiding certain types), ensuring intake of essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium, and considering probiotic-rich foods to support the gut microbiome.
Entrepreneur
an hour ago
- Entrepreneur
These Are the Top 10 Fitness Franchises in 2025
These fitness franchises are leading the pack in growth, brand appeal and innovation — offering strong opportunities for health-focused entrepreneurs. The multi-billion-dollar fitness industry continues to flex its strength as one of the most dynamic sectors in franchising, offering scalable business models, passionate consumer bases and a wide range of ownership opportunities. From legacy gyms with global recognition to fast-growing boutique concepts redefining the workout experience, these 10 standout fitness franchises, all ranked on the 2025 Franchise 500, represent the best in branding, growth and long-term potential for health-minded entrepreneurs. Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget. 1. Crunch Founded: 2010 2010 Franchising since: 2010 2010 Overall Rank: 32 32 Number of units: 458 458 Change in units: +30.1% over 3 years +30.1% over 3 years Initial investment: $918,000 - $6,700,000 $918,000 - $6,700,000 Leadership: Jim Rowley, CEO Jim Rowley, CEO Parent company: N/A Crunch blends affordability with energy, offering a welcoming, no-judgment environment for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Known for high-intensity classes, personal training and a vibrant gym culture, the brand has grown rapidly since it began franchising in 2010. With hundreds of locations and strong support systems for franchisees, Crunch stands out as a compelling opportunity in the competitive, multi-billion-dollar health and wellness space. Related: She Turned a Temporary Post-College Job Into Starting a Business at 23. Then Some 'Eye-Opening' Advice Helped Her Grow It to $5 Million. 2. Orangetheory Fitness Founded: 2010 2010 Franchising since: 2010 2010 Overall Rank: 73 73 Number of units: 1,504 1,504 Change in units: +3.1% over 3 years +3.1% over 3 years Initial investment: $729,000 - $1,600,000 $729,000 - $1,600,000 Leadership: Richard Armstrong, CDO Richard Armstrong, CDO Parent company: Purpose Brands Orangetheory Fitness is a fitness franchise known for its science-backed, heart rate-based interval training. Founded in 2010, it has expanded to over 1,500 studios worldwide. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive support, including training and marketing. Ideal Orangetheory franchisees are passionate about fitness and committed to active studio involvement. Related: How a Police Officer Started a Pet Care Business Making $3 Million a Year 3. Anytime Fitness Founded: 2001 2001 Franchising since: 2002 2002 Overall Rank: 82 82 Number of units: 5,273 5,273 Change in units: +7.5% over 3 years +7.5% over 3 years Initial investment: $398,000 - $973,000 $398,000 - $973,000 Leadership: Chuck Runyon, CEO Chuck Runyon, CEO Parent company: Self Esteem Brands For nearly a quarter of a century, Anytime Fitness has offered a 24/7 gym experience with a focus on convenience and community. The brand has grown to over 5,000 locations across more than 30 countries. The franchise appeals to entrepreneurs seeking a scalable model, with the majority of owners operating multiple units. Franchisees receive extensive training and marketing assistance, making it a compelling opportunity in the fitness industry. Related: I'm CEO of an International Commercial Cleaning Franchise. Here's How I've Turned My Failures Into Fuel for Success. 4. Hotworx Founded: 2017 2017 Franchising since: 2017 2017 Overall Rank: 95 95 Number of units: 768 768 Change in units: +125.9% over 3 years +125.9% over 3 years Initial investment: $252,000 - $1,200,000 $252,000 - $1,200,000 Leadership: Stephen P. Smith, CEO Stephen P. Smith, CEO Parent company: Hotworx Franchising, LLC Hotworx redefines boutique fitness with its patented infrared sauna workouts, blending heat, isometric exercises and HIIT in a 24/7 virtual format. Since launching in 2017, the brand has expanded to over 700 global locations, earning a spot in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 top 100. Founder Stephen P. Smith attributes this rapid growth to a culture rooted in discipline and commitment — qualities he seeks in every franchise partner. Related: How the IFA Plans to Strengthen the $800 Billion Franchise Industry in 2025 5. Club Pilates Founded: 2007 2007 Franchising since: 2012 2012 Overall Rank: 133 133 Number of units: 1,082 1,082 Change in units: +66.7% over 3 years +66.7% over 3 years Initial investment: $197,000 - $459,000 $197,000 - $459,000 Leadership: Mark King, CEO Mark King, CEO Parent company: Xponential Fitness Club Pilates offers a scalable model backed by a strong corporate support system. Franchisees gain access to proven site selection strategies, studio design expertise, hands-on training and national marketing campaigns — all designed to streamline the launch process and set owners up for long-term growth. The brand's flexible ownership structure also allows both hands-on operators and semi-absentee investors to thrive. Related: 70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025 6. Gold's Gym Founded: 1965 1965 Franchising since: 1980 1980 Overall Rank: 160 160 Number of units: 590 590 Change in units: -2% over 3 years -2% over 3 years Initial investment: $1,800,000 - $4,300,000 $1,800,000 - $4,300,000 Leadership: Kevin Christie, VP of global franchising Kevin Christie, VP of global franchising Parent company: RSG Group A symbol of strength and fitness since 1965, Gold's Gym opened in Venice Beach and eventually became a training ground for legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now, with nearly 600 locations across six continents, the brand blends its iconic heritage with modern innovation. Gold's provides company support, including site selection, gym design and marketing assistance, making it an appealing opportunity in the fitness industry. Related: You're a Walking Billboard — What's Your Brand Saying? 7. The Exercise Coach Founded: 2000 2000 Franchising since: 2010 2010 Overall Rank: 200 200 Number of units: 254 254 Change in units: +61.8% over 3 years +61.8% over 3 years Initial investment: $162,000 - $383,000 $162,000 - $383,000 Leadership: Brian Cygan, CEO Brian Cygan, CEO Parent company: Exercise Coach USA LLC The Exercise Coach offers a tech-driven fitness franchise tailored to adults over 45. Founded in 2000 and franchising since 2010, it delivers personalized, 20-minute strength training sessions using proprietary Exerbotics equipment. And with a compact studio footprint and minimal staffing needs, the franchise is designed for operational efficiency. Related: I Created a Meeting to Call Out My Team's Mistakes. What Happened Next Surprised Me. 8. F45 Training Founded: 2011 2011 Franchising since: 2013 2013 Overall Rank: 232 232 Number of units: 1,583 1,583 Change in units: +1.8% over 3 years +1.8% over 3 years Initial investment: $294,000 - $719,000 $294,000 - $719,000 Leadership: Tom Dowd, CEO Tom Dowd, CEO Parent company: F45 Training Holdings Inc. F45 Training's group fitness is focused on its 45-minute, high-intensity functional workouts, fostering a strong community atmosphere. Since its inception in 2011, F45 has expanded to over 1,500 studios, including approximately 800 international locations, while maintaining a significant presence in the U.S. Franchisees are drawn to its scalable model, diverse workout offerings and the brand's commitment to innovation, making it a standout opportunity in the boutique fitness industry. Related: How I Turned a Failing Business Into a $1 Million Powerhouse in Just 6 Months 9. Pure Barre Founded: 2001 2001 Franchising since: 2009 2009 Overall Rank: 375 375 Number of units: 631 631 Change in units: +5.3% over 3 years +5.3% over 3 years Initial investment: $265,000 - $419,000 $265,000 - $419,000 Leadership: Mark King, CEO Mark King, CEO Parent company: Xponential Fitness Pure Barre is a fitness franchise specializing in low-impact, high-intensity barre workouts. Since its founding in 2001, it has expanded to more than 600 studios across North America. The franchise offers a scalable business model with semi-absentee ownership options, attracting entrepreneurs seeking a community-focused fitness brand. Pure Barre franchises are ideal for those passionate about wellness, and the brand provides a proven concept in the growing boutique fitness industry. Related: 10 Lessons I Learned From Failing My First Acquisition 10. D1 Training Founded: 2001 2001 Franchising since: 2015 2015 Overall Rank: 390 390 Number of units: 116 116 Change in units: +103.5% over 3 years +103.5% over 3 years Initial investment: $162,000 - $711,000 $162,000 - $711,000 Leadership: Will Bartholomew, founder/CEO Will Bartholomew, founder/CEO Parent company: N/A Built on the principles of Division 1 athletic programs, D1 Training is a performance-based fitness franchise that offers structured training for youth, adults and elite athletes. Founded in 2001 and franchising since 2015, D1 Training now operates over 100 locations nationwide. With expert coaching, small-group sessions and a values-driven approach, the brand attracts franchisees who are passionate about sports, community and long-term growth. Related: Why Failure Is Crucial To Success
