Retro Fitness gym turf
credit: Retro Fitness

Laddi Singh, who operates more than 50 Popeyes, Burger King and Arby’s restaurants, is betting on Retro Fitness, continuing a trend of restaurateurs investing in gyms

Retro Fitness is bringing in veteran multi-brand franchisee Laddi Singh, who is making his first move into the fitness industry with the high-value low-price (HVLP) gym operator, planning to expand in Retro’s footprint in the New York area.

Singh has already built up a portfolio of over 50 Popeyes, Burger King and Arby’s restaurants, but is looking to branch out from the quick-service restaurant industry and leverage the booming fitness market.

“As someone who has spent years building and growing franchise businesses in QSR, I was looking to diversify with my next investment,” Singh said. “Retro Fitness immediately stood out because of its high-value, low-price model, experienced management team and comprehensive support for franchisees. It combines a business I’m excited about with a model I believe in, and I’m looking forward to introducing the brand to more communities across New York.”

The move allows Singh to tap into Retro Fitness’ No Sweat Franchise Program, which provides end-to-end support for franchisees from site selection and construction to marketing and operational resources.

Singh will open his first location on Long Island this year, with plans to open more locations in the New York area. His portfolio of restaurants currently spans New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

“Laddi’s investment reflects the confidence sophisticated franchisees have in the Retro Fitness brand,” said Retro Fitness CEO Andrew Alfano. “Coming from hospitality myself, I understand why an experienced QSR operator would see the opportunity to diversify into high-value, low-price fitness. Laddi has built an exceptional track record across multiple franchise brands, and we’re thrilled to partner with him.”

Restaurateurs Eye the Fitness Market

Singh isn’t the only restaurant industry veteran to take notice of the lucrative potential of fitness, especially in the HVLP sector. Franchise giant Flynn Group — known for operating more than 3,000 restaurants spanning Applebee’s, Arby’s, Taco Bell, Panera, Pizza Hut and Wendy’s — has been doubling down on its Planet Fitness investment, significantly expanding its footprint this year by acquiring operator Grand Fitness Partners, bringing its total gym footprint to 141 clubs across seven states.

Retro Fitness, for its part, continues its ambitious growth plans, which take inspiration from food giants like McDonald’s and Starbucks. Led by Alfano, a former Starbucks executive, Retro Fitness has embarked on a full-scale rebrand that embraces a more minimal and modern aesthetic, while building up an entire ecosystem to drive member engagement and retention.

The HVLP gym brand has also increased investments in recovery amenities and wellness content through its app focused on nutrition, mental wellness and music. The chain is also continuing its Project LIFT initiative first launched in 2022 — a plan to open 500 health clubs in 50 black and brown communities across the U.S. within five years.

Alfano also revealed to ATN his vision for the brand to have eventually have over 1,000 gyms across the nation along with international locations.

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