Retro Fitness, a low-cost, high-value concept, continues to strengthen its team and reputation in the industry, adding two new team members who will take the brand to the next level. Jason Mattes is Chief Development Officer for Retro Fitness and its sister-brand Let’s YO! and Rudy Fabiano of Fabiano Designs has been added as the official partner for development of new Retro Fitness locations.
With 10 years experience in franchise sales and development, Mattes will be responsible for the design and execution of the brands’ national franchise growth program, facilitating new market development outside northeast operating cores for the 89-unit fitness and 24-unit frozen yogurt chains. Mattes will serve in an executive leadership position overseeing all facets of franchise sales and licensing, market planning and development, site identification, selection and acquisition initiatives, financing and contract administration.
Mattes, who is also a former professional football player, joins the brand with a consistent track record of delivering above market sales growth and positive bottom-line returns for franchise organizations of various makes and models. Most recently, he was Vice President of Franchise Development for Saladworks where he led a concentrated national and international growth initiative for their Mid-Atlantic restaurant chain that resulted in the award of more than 153 future franchised locations in dozens of new states as well as in Singapore and the Middle East during his tenure. In all, Mattes has managed more than 450 franchise awards to date in leadership positions with three other franchise brands.
“A tremendous opportunity exists to nationalize development for Retro Fitness and Let’s YO! that is both strategic and profitable for our franchise system," Mattes said. “Both brands are investor-friendly, highly scalable and uniquely positioned to expand within their respective industries. In addition, each is transferable to most destinations across the country so my goal is to effort that growth quickly and efficiently by identifying the best brand partners to help facilitate new market development in and out of our operating core that share our enthusiasm for the value proposition offered to our end customers.”
Additionally, Retro Fitness has partnered with well-known architectural design firm Fabiano Designs. Spearheaded by Rudy Fabiano, the company will facilitate the layout and design of all Retro Fitness clubs moving forward. “Our team members are one of our greatest advantages over our competition,” said Eric Casaburi, founder and CEO of Retro Fitness and Let’s YO!. “We’re happy with the direction our brands are moving and look forward to continuing to add talented, passionate people to our team.”
Retro Fitness clubs blend vibrant color schemes into a fun, energetic atmosphere where gym members can comfortably meet their fitness goals. With an affordable monthly membership of just $19.99, gym members have access to a full-collection of top-of-the-line equipment, cardio machines complete with individual LCD television monitors, a full-service RetroBlends juice bar, personal training, tanning, locker rooms, and child sitting.
Driven by a healthy menu, Let’s YO!’s innovative, socially-minded atmosphere, appeals to even the most trend forward consumers. The brand’s industry-leading interior design is complete with Apple iPads embedded into its tables, which are hooked up to flat-screen, closed-circuit televisions within the shop, providing a live, constantly-updated feed of the company’s social media networks. Creating a truly social experience for customers, guests can interact with friends, family and Let’s YO! through these platforms, while also watching their posts appear within seconds on the screen. Let’s YO!’s goal is to enrich people’s lives with a healthy, nutritious frozen yogurt alternative. With an array of healthy, nutritious frozen yogurt flavors, guests can enjoy their favorite desserts made from fresh dairy and real fruit purees, while choosing from a variety of fun, healthy toppings, which include leading brands such as Kashi and Bear Naked as well as a wide-selection of fresh fruit.
About Retro Fitness
Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Eric Casaburi, Retro Fitness has evolved from a regional Northeast gym concept into a national fitness system with nearly 90 gyms in operation in 11 states. Expansion plans call for 150 gyms in the next three years and growth into new major markets such as Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Each Retro Fitness location is equipped with a full-service fitness center including 60-100 pieces of equipment supplied by leading manufacturers such as Life Fitness and Iron Grip. In 2012, Retro Fitness saw its third-consecutive placement on the Entrepreneur “Franchise 500” annual ranking. The company has also been recognized as one of the “Top Fastest-Growing Franchises” and “Top New Franchises” by the publication. For more information, please visit www.retrofitness.net, and to learn more about franchise opportunities visit www.retrofranchising.com.
About Let’s YO! Yogurt
Founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Eric Casaburi, Let’s YO! Yogurt is a frozen yogurt shop built around the social, consumer experience –complete with iPads embedded into tables for consumer use. Each location features a sleek, sophisticated futuristic design, providing a high-tech atmosphere for customers. A healthy dessert alternative, Let’s YO! offers a superior product offering with more than 80 lines of puréed yogurt options to choose from, along with leading brands such as Bear Naked and Kashi. Let’s YO! Yogurt has 24 locations in operation, with 50 additional units slated to open throughout the East Coast within the next year. Through its well-managed, development strategy, the company’s current expansion plans are primarily focused in the New York and New Jersey markets. For more information on franchising opportunities, please visit www.letsyoyogurt.com or email franchising@letsyoyogurt.com.