Anytime Fitness vs Chick-fil-A

About

Anytime Fitness is a 24-hour gym franchise network operating approximately 5,000 locations in 30+ countries, making it one of the largest fitness franchise systems in the world by location count. Founded in 2002 in Hastings, Minnesota by Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen, Anytime Fitness is owned by Self Esteem Brands (the parent company also owning Basecamp Fitness, Waxing the City, and other franchise concepts) and targets the accessible, value-oriented fitness market with smaller format 24-hour gyms that are convenient for suburban and rural markets underserved by larger gym chains.\n\nAnytime Fitness's business model is built around 24/7 keycard access to smaller, unstaffed gym locations (typically 5,000-7,000 sq ft versus 20,000+ sq ft for traditional gyms) with essential cardio and strength equipment and optional personal training services. The franchise model enables rapid geographic expansion — club owners operate semi-absentee businesses with lower staffing requirements than traditional gyms. Members receive a key fob that works at any Anytime Fitness location globally, providing significant value for travelers.\n\nIn 2025, Anytime Fitness competes with Planet Fitness (the dominant low-cost gym chain at $10/month), Crunch Fitness, and local independent gyms for value-conscious fitness consumers. The company's suburban and small market positioning differentiates it from urban boutique fitness and from Planet Fitness's large-format model. Anytime Fitness charges typically $30-40/month, positioning it above Planet Fitness but below traditional health clubs. The 2025 strategy focuses on continuing international franchise expansion (particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America), modernizing the gym technology experience (app-connected equipment, digital personal training), and growing the Anytime Health digital wellness programming.