Finance Crunch Fitness Acquires Bay Area Franchise Locations, Expanding Corporate Footprint ATN Staff August 7, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email credit: Crunch Fitness Subscribe Now Log in The deal brings eight more Bay Area clubs under Crunch’s ownership, giving the brand 16 corporate-owned locations in the region as it rolls out system-wide upgrades to equipment, classes and recovery amenities Crunch Fitness has expanded its corporate presence in Northern California, acquiring the eight clubs operated by franchise group Bay Area Crunchers as the high-value, low-price (HVLP) gym brand continues to invest in one of its key growth markets. The acquisition, which closed August 1, brings Crunch’s total corporate-owned footprint in the San Francisco Bay Area to 16 locations. The move follows the opening of Crunch San Rafael earlier this year, with a new club in El Cerrito slated to open in the first quarter of 2027. The transaction also consolidates all of Crunch’s Bay Area locations under a single ownership group, with Brian Calegari, the longtime operating partner of Bay Area Crunchers, joining Crunch corporate as operating partner. “Expanding our corporate presence in the Bay Area is about deepening our commitment to one of the most dynamic fitness markets in the country,” Crunch Fitness CEO Chequan Lewis said. “With the San Rafael club opening earlier this year and El Cerrito set to open early next year, we’re building real momentum here.” The acquisition adds to a busy year of expansion for Crunch, which has continued to grow through a mix of franchise development, corporate investment and acquisitions. The brand recently announced a 20-location development agreement in the Phoenix market through franchisee CR Fitness Holdings. The move to consolidate Bay Area locations under corporate ownership could signal Crunch’s ambitions to roll out more upgrades to its gyms in Northern California under the new Crunch 3.0 template, which includes offerings like boutique-style Pilates classes, better equipment and enhanced wellness and recovery amenities. Crunch now serves more than 4 million members across more than 550 gyms worldwide, continuing to strengthen its position in the increasingly competitive HVLP gym segment. The deal brings eight more Bay Area clubs under Crunch’s ownership, giving the brand 16 corporate-owned locations in the region as it rolls out system-wide... Membership Required This article is for ATN Pro members only. ATN Pro members get: Unlimited access to Athletech News articles Exclusive access to ATN Pro-level reporting Discounts to ATN the Innovation Summit VIP access to community events Exclusive email newsletters Subscribe Now Already a member? Log in Already a member? Log in here Tags: Acquisition Alert Fitness Franchise Gyms High Value Low Price Gyms (HVLP)
