Neighborhood Barre, the boutique fitness franchise under Extraordinary Brands, is heading into the second half of 2026 with three new studios opening in just two months
The brand welcomed new studios in Melbourne, Florida, and Hendersonville, Tennessee, with Apex, North Carolina scheduled to open shortly. The rapid pace of development comes as Neighborhood Barrecontinues investing in stronger franchisee support, refreshed branding, enhanced marketing and operational improvements through Extraordinary Brands
Rather than chasing fitness trends, the brand has doubled down on what has defined it since its founding in 2011: low-impact, strength-focused workouts, welcoming communities and franchise owners who are deeply connected to the neighborhoods they serve
“Neighborhood Barre has never been stronger,” said Katy Richardson, founder of Neighborhood Barre and chief operating officer of Extraordinary Brands. “As part of Extraordinary Brands, we’ve continued to invest in the systems, tools, and support that help franchisees succeed. From our new brand identity to enhanced operational resources, we’re constantly evolving the franchise experience based on what our owners need. We’re committed to making Neighborhood Barre one of the most supported and compelling opportunities in boutique fitness.”
The brand’s newest franchisees represent different backgrounds, but they share a common motivation: creating spaces where fitness and community intersect
In Melbourne, Florida, Jaclyn Haddowopened her first Neighborhood Barre studio after spending more than 16 years in medical aesthetic sales and launching her own consulting business. Looking to build what she calls the ultimate “girl gang,” Haddow viewed franchising as a way to combine her passion for wellness with an established operating system
“For me, it was a secondary business and I really wanted the help,” Haddow said. “Even though royalties sometimes scare people away, the benefit of having that whole team behind you as a small business owner was worth it.”
Already thinking beyond her first location, Haddow plans to expand throughout Brevard County. “I keep telling my corporate team at the franchise that I want to open three locations,” she said. “This is number one, and I hope to open another one by the next year and a half.”
Meanwhile, Sarah Smithis preparing to open Neighborhood Barre in Apex, North Carolina after leaving a 15-year corporate career that included leadership roles in human reo, Smith wanted to build a business that aligned with both her passion for fitness and her family
“What drew me to Neighborhood Barre was the method itself and how aligned it is with where fitness is heading,” Smith said. “There’s a clear shift toward low-impact, strength-based training that supports longevity, not just intensity, and barre sits right in that space.”
Smith’s studio will also feature on-site child care, creating additional accessibility for parents balancing busy schedules
“Our town is young, vibrant and filled with working parents who need somewhere to take their kids,” Smith said. “I want to create a community and a place where people just love to be.”
Following her acquisition and reopening of the Concord, North Carolina studio in late 2025, franchisee Jenna Fisherhas already secured franchise rights for a second location in Charlotte while continuing to rebuild and grow her first business
“The goal is absolutely to keep growing,” Fisher said. “I’d love to be a three-studio owner at some point.”
Fisher credits the Neighborhood Barre community with helping her navigate one of the most difficult periods of her life while simultaneously launching her business. “I think Neighborhood Barre, fitness as a whole, community as a whole, shows up for people in more ways than one,” she said. “It’s not just about meeting fitness goals or getting physically stronger, but it’s also about having that community for when times are hard or when times are great. The atmosphere was contagious. It was very accepting of all different fitness levels and body types. I walked out of the studio after only one class saying, ‘This is the franchise I want to buy.'”
Neighborhood Barre’s development activity coincides with broader investments being made by Extraordinary Brands to position the concept for long-term franchise growth. The platform has introduced stronger operational support, refreshed brand positioning, enhanced marketing reommunity-focused culture that has defined Neighborhood Barre since its founding
With multiple studio openings completed in a matter of weeks, additional development already committed and continued investment from Extraordinary Brands, Neighborhood Barre enters the second half of 2026 with strong operational and franchise momentum
“The barre category has remained relatively unchanged for years, but we saw an opportunity to rethink what the modern barre experience could be,” Richardson said. “From our refreshed brand to the strength of our franchise system, we’re building something that feels differentiated in the market. With multiple studios currently in pre-opening, we’re excited about the momentum we’re seeing.”
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/extraordinary-brands
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Luca Piacentini
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