GNC General Nutrition Centers Franchise Opportunities - History

In 1935, David Shakarian opened a small health food store called Lackzoom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that specialized in yogurt. At the time, health foods seemed like a passing trend, but Shakarian saw enough success to open another store within a year. Lackzoom’s presence grew in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, and with the changing tides of health consciousness in the 1960s, Lackzoom was able to extend even further. 

Shakarian soon changed the name of the store to General Nutrition Centers (GNC). In the 1980s, GNC began  production of its own nutritional products to sell in stores, while its footprint of stores continued to grow. The brand began franchising in 1988 and today GNC is the largest retailer of specialty nutritional products in the world.

GNC General Nutrition Centers Franchise Cost / Initial Investment / GNC General Nutrition Centers Franchise Income

Initial Investment

The initial investment required to open a GNC General Nutrition Centers franchise store is $188,187 - $467,983, including a $40,000 franchise fee. To qualify financially, you'll need at least $130,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of $330,000 - $1,000,000.

Ongoing Royalties and Program Contributions

GNC franchisees must pay an ongoing 6% royalty fee as well as contribute 3% of revenue toward the system's advertising program.

GNC General Nutrition Centers Franchise System Size and Composition

As of year-end 2018, there were approximately 6,377 GNC stores active or in development worldwide, of which some 3,332 are corporate locations, 1,061 are franchised in the U.S., and 1,984 are franchised internationally. Systemwide, GNC generates an estimated $2.7 billion in worldwide sales.