Massage firm goes for higher level

Massage Heights, one of the fastest-growing massage chains in the country, has big plans for the Gulf Coast in 2015.

The company aims to develop at least six stores, what it calls retreats, in Florida over the next year, part of a plan to award 75 franchise licenses nationwide. It recently awarded franchise agreements to entrepreneurs in Naples and Fort Meyers, in addition to Fort Lauderdale. The San Antonio-based firm also seeks candidates to open stores in Tampa and Sarasota, among other Sunshine State markets, a spokesperson says. Massage Heights currently has six locations in Florida, including ones in Brandon, east Manatee County and Sarasota.

The company, with more than 100 locations nationwide, says Florida is a great state for expansion because the demographics are diverse, with a focus on health and holistic living. More specifically, the firm's core target demographic, say executives, includes households with at least $60,000 in annual income; pet owners; people involved in charities; and people with children. The typical Massage Heights customer skews 60% female.

“Florida is a big market for us,” Massage Heights COO and co-founder Shane Evans told Coffee Talk in early 2014. “It's where the focus of our money and resources are going.”

Massage Heights has another connection to the Sunshine State, besides expansion opportunities: Evans starred on an episode of the CBS show “Undercover Boss” in 2013 and one of the four Massage Heights locations she worked at on the show was the east Manatee County location.