Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa ‘s new spa locations that will further expand the brand’s footprint Southeast. The brand is continuing to experience a surge in franchise development accelerated by the brand’s tremendous success in 2021, where it doubled year-over-year signings from 2020 and opened 24 new locations nationwide, including nine new spas throughout the Southeast region.
“Our Southeastern expansion has reinforced our brand’s position as an industry-leading powerhouse within the spa and franchise segments. The Southeast, and Georgia in particular, has quickly become a prime growth market. We’re thrilled to be accelerating development throughout the region with our outstanding franchisees’ new spa locations,” said John Teza, CEO of Hand & Stone.
Four New Spa Locations Fuel Regional Growth
Hand & Stone’s new Southeast franchise agreements include:
- Established multi-unit franchisee Tara McLain, who currently owns and operates six Hand & Stone locations throughout Florida. McLain has signed on to develop a new spa in Savannah, adding the state of Georgia to her fast-growing portfolio. McLain opened her first Hand & Stone franchise in 2012.
- Existing franchisees Ron and Stephanie Urton are bringing a new spa in The Villages North area of the greater Orlando DMA. The couple currently have another successful location in The Villages, which opened in 2019.
- Husband-and-wife team Mark and Valerie Gallarelli have committed to bring Hand & Stone to Spring Hill, joining a number of successful other locations in Florida’s Suncoast.
- First-time Hand & Stone franchisee Daniel Hook will be a part of the brand’s growth into North Carolina. Joined by his wife Tiffany, an experienced Massage Therapist and Esthetician, they bring a wealth of knowledge from various industries to their new venture.
“As an experienced franchise owner, I am confident in what Hand & Stone has to offer franchisees and members alike. I have no doubt we will experience great success as we continue to develop locations in the Southeast,” said Tara McLain. “We’re excited to be a part of growing Hand & Stone’s presence in a booming market! I’m thrilled to offer the innovative services and unparalleled experience this brand is known for.
Industry Recognition Reinforces Brand Strength
Throughout 2021, we’ve continued to be recognized as a leading massage and facial services concept and outstanding franchise system. The brand received Franchise Times’s Zor Award in the beauty and wellness category. Likewise, Hand & Stone also ranked #154 on the publication’s annual Top 400 list, moving up six spots last year. Most recently, Hand & Stone ranked #296 on Entrepreneur magazine’s highly competitive Franchise 500 ranking of the top franchise brands.
In 2022, Hand & Stone aims to more than double its new spa openings across North America. This Southeast expansion continues to be a priority for expansion, as well as Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, Alabama and more.