--- title: "CITY ROW Franchise: Cost, FDD Analysis & Review" description: "Explore the CITY ROW franchise. Investment: $254K-$460K. 5 locations. Grade: b. Financial performance disclosed. Fitness, Training & Athletic Performance." url: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/city-row" canonical: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/city-row" markdown_url: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/city-row.md" type: "FranchiseBrand" brand: "CITY ROW" sector: "Personal Care & Lifestyle Services" category: "Fitness, Training & Athletic Performance" investment_low: "253843" investment_high: "460074" total_units: "6" grade: "B" operating_model: "Owner-Operator | Semi-Absentee | Multi-Unit" --- # CITY ROW Franchise: Cost, FDD Analysis & Review Explore the CITY ROW franchise. Investment: $254K-$460K. 5 locations. Grade: b. Financial performance disclosed. Fitness, Training & Athletic Performance. ## At a glance - **Brand:** CITY ROW - **Sector:** Personal Care & Lifestyle Services - **Category:** Fitness, Training & Athletic Performance - **Total initial investment:** $253,843 – $460,074 - **Total units (FDD Item 20):** 6 - **FranchiseGrade grade:** B - **Operating model:** Owner-Operator | Semi-Absentee | Multi-Unit - **States with locations:** GA, MI, OR ## CITY ROW — franchise facts ### What is the total initial investment required to open a CITY ROW franchise? Total investment ranges from $253,843 to $460,074, covering build-out, equipment, initial marketing, and working capital. This includes the franchise fee, technology setup, and operating expenses for your first months. Costs vary based on studio location, size, and local build-out requirements. ### What is the initial franchise fee for CITY ROW, and what does it cover? The franchise fee is $49,500, which grants access to proprietary systems, training, operational support, and brand licensing. This investment covers your entry into the City Row network and establishes your right to use brand assets and methodologies. ### What ongoing fees, royalties, or required contributions do CITY ROW franchisees pay? Franchisees pay a 7 percent royalty on gross revenue plus $649 monthly in technology fees. These fees support national marketing, platform maintenance, class content updates, and ongoing operational support systems. ### What financial requirements must candidates meet to qualify for a CITY ROW franchise? You should have liquid capital of approximately $100,000 to $150,000 and total net worth of at least $300,000 to qualify. Most franchisees secure financing through SBA loans, personal savings, or investor partnerships to meet the total investment range. ### Are financing options or third-party funding programs available for CITY ROW franchisees? Many franchisees use SBA 7(a) loans to finance 70 to 90 percent of the investment, with the franchise fee and working capital covered from personal funds. City Row works with preferred lenders familiar with fitness franchise models. Consult a franchise financial advisor to explore options matching your situation. ### What initial training does CITY ROW provide to new franchise owners? Training totals 56 hours: 35 hours in classroom instruction and 21 hours of hands-on, on-the-job training. You'll learn studio operations, instructor coaching, member management, marketing strategies, and financial management before launch. ### What ongoing support and resources does CITY ROW offer after opening? City Row provides continuous support including marketing campaigns, software updates, instructor training resources, and operational guidance. Regional support staff remain accessible for strategic advice, member retention strategies, and business optimization throughout your franchise term. ### Does CITY ROW assist with real estate and site selection for new locations? City Row's real estate team assists with site selection, lease negotiation, and layout optimization to ensure optimal member experience and operational efficiency. Target locations typically offer high foot traffic, strong demographics, and visibility in fitness-conscious communities. ### What does the day-to-day role of a franchise owner look like with CITY ROW? As owner, you'll oversee scheduling, instructor hiring and development, member relations, marketing, and financials. Your daily involvement ranges from teaching classes yourself to managing staff and strategic growth, depending on your preferred management style. ### Can CITY ROW be operated as an owner-operator or semi-absentee franchise? City Row supports both owner-operator models where you teach classes and manage the studio, and semi-absentee arrangements with hired general managers. Most successful units involve owner presence during peak hours and strategic involvement in community building and member retention. ### What type of lifestyle and time commitment should owners expect with CITY ROW? This franchise suits entrepreneurs who enjoy the energy of group fitness and want a business centered on wellness and community. The schedule involves early mornings and evenings to accommodate class times, making it ideal for fitness-focused owners who thrive in dynamic environments. ### What territories or markets are currently available for CITY ROW franchise ownership? City Row grants protected territories to franchisees, ensuring exclusivity within your defined service area. Specific territory size depends on local market density and demographics. Current presence includes Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon, with potential expansion in other markets. ### Does CITY ROW offer multi-unit ownership or expansion opportunities? Qualified franchisees can develop multiple units within their territory or expand to adjacent markets. Multi-unit agreements offer cost efficiencies in marketing and operations while building a regional fitness presence. ### Are area development or master franchise opportunities available with CITY ROW? Area development agreements allow experienced operators to build a regional footprint under structured timelines. This path provides territory control and economies of scale for investors committed to long-term market development. ### How does CITY ROW approach unit-level profitability and financial performance? City Row studios generate revenue primarily through monthly memberships, class packages, and ancillary services like personal training and retail. High-margin recurring revenue creates predictable cash flow. Profitability depends on membership growth, retention rates, and operational efficiency in your specific market. ### What sets CITY ROW apart from competitors in its market segment? City Row's rowing-specific focus and music integration differentiate it from generic fitness studios and other rowing brands. The boutique format creates an intimate, premium experience that justifies membership pricing and builds strong member loyalty in competitive fitness markets. ## Research this brand - Full profile: https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/city-row - Compare it side by side: https://www.franchisegrade.com/compare - Check affordability against your capital: https://www.franchisegrade.com/affordability-calculator - Franchise terms used above: https://www.franchisegrade.com/tools/franchise-glossary --- *Source: [FranchiseGrade](https://www.franchisegrade.com) — independent, FDD-derived franchise research.* *Cite this page as: https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/city-row* *Training, indexing and quotation are permitted — please attribute and link to the source URL above. Full-text reproduction of the whole page is not. Licensing: privacy@franchisegrade.com*