Vanguard Key Clubs Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Vanguard Key Clubs is a 24-hour, key-card–access fitness franchise built around a no-staff model. Members can work out at any time of day, and franchise owners benefit from a streamlined operation that doesn’t require a full front-desk team.
The brand was created by Craig Annis in 1992 and is based in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. Its franchising arm operates through Key Club Development Corporation, which officially launched the franchise program in 2019.
Franchisees open turnkey fitness centers outfitted with cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and functional training areas. The model is designed to keep overhead low and support semi-absentee ownership.
Vanguard Key Clubs differentiates itself with a fully self-service structure that reduces labor needs and makes multi-unit expansion easier compared to traditional gyms.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Vanguard Key Clubs franchise? It costs on average between $207,000 – $528,000 to start a Vanguard Key Clubs franchised center.
This includes the costs for build-out, fitness equipment, security systems, and the funds needed to operate the gym during the initial months. The total investment can vary based on factors such as facility size, local construction rates, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or buy the space.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Rent – 3 Months | $6,000 to $20,000 |
| Security Deposits | $6,000 to $65,000 |
| Blueprints | $3,000 to $7,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $10,000 to $150,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $100,000 to $150,000 |
| Computer System | $4,000 to $6,000 |
| Insurance – 3 Months | $1,500 to $6,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $0 to $3,000 |
| Travel, Lodging and Meals for Initial Training | $250 to $5,000 |
| Signage | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising Campaign | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| Licenses and Permits | $100 to $700 |
| Professional Fees | $3,000 to $7,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $30,000 to $60,000 |
| Total | $207,350 to $527,700 |
Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Vanguard Key Clubs locations are there?
As of the latest data, Vanguard Key Clubs operates 6 locations in the U.S.
What is the total investment required to open a Vanguard Key Clubs franchise?
The total investment required to open a Vanguard Key Clubs franchise ranges from $207,000 to $528,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Vanguard Key Clubs franchise?
A Vanguard Key Clubs franchise pays a 5% royalty on gross revenue as part of its ongoing fees. Franchisees also contribute 2% of gross revenue to systemwide marketing efforts, and an additional 2% brand development fee is required to support the continued growth of the concept.
Who owns Vanguard Key Clubs?
Vanguard Key Clubs is owned and operated by CJA Corporation, doing business as Vanguard Key Clubs.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
