NEW YORK, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucille Roberts, a visionary fitness icon and pioneer of women's health clubs with nearly 50 company-owned clubs, announced today that it has signed a franchise agreement to expand in the Northeastern region of the country with the mother-daughter team of Marybeth and Gina Rosati. This new development represents the company's third franchise deal in just a few short months of franchising and it's most recent area developer deal to develop 40 health franchises throughout Florida and Georgia.

"We are very excited to be part of the Lucille Roberts brand and have been looking into establishing our presence in either the New Jersey or Philadelphia area this year," said Marybeth Rosati. "My daughter has always dreamed of opening her own gym and now together, we are going to be able to bring the concept of a women's only health club to our community."

Daughter Gina Rosati began her career with Lucille Roberts at the age of 16 working in the childcare division of a club in Delran, New Jersey. She gradually worked her way up to working the front desk and eventually became assistant manager. Earlier this year when Lucille Roberts announced it would begin franchising the iconic fitness brand, Gina and her mother immediately began researching the opportunity. Shortly thereafter, the mother-daughter team embarked on their journey to become entrepreneurial small business owners and will be opening their first Lucille Roberts gym in the next several months.

"Gina has experienced this business from the ground up and knows what it takes to be a successful franchise owner," said Kevin Roberts, president of Lucille Roberts Health Clubs Franchising, Inc. "We are thrilled to welcome Gina and Marybeth as our newest franchisees and look forward to making fitness and wellness accessible to more women throughout the country."

Lucille Roberts opened its first women's only health club in New York City in 1970 and has since changed the approach to women's fitness, nutrition and wellness. Today, each Lucille Roberts delivers industry-leading value to its members across the country, beginning at only $5.00 per week, which includes unlimited gym visits, the use of state-of-the-art cardio and weight lifting equipment, unlimited participation in nearly 50 different fitness and group exercise classes such as Zumba, diet and weight loss counseling, and a wide variety of other wellness programs.

As Lucille Roberts continues its franchise expansion across the country, the brand is seeking prospective franchisees that want to be active owner/operators or passive investors that are looking to diversify their portfolio. Despite the current economic climate, Lucille Roberts' sales continue to increase system-wide because of the value it delivers to members, which also gives prospective franchisees a distinct selling advantage over the competition and a predictive revenue model upon which to build their business.

Since Lucille Roberts clubs typically range from 4,000 – 6,000 sq. ft. and are characteristically smaller than large format fitness centers, the total cost to open a club is approximately $300,000 and franchisee candidates should posses a minimum net worth of $400,000 per unit and liquid assets of $75,000 per unit. Franchisees will also benefit from high average unit volumes and average club revenues of $877,000 with net incomes of $194,000. Financing may be available for qualified applicants. Both single and multi-unit development opportunities are available.

Individuals seeking to own and operate a Lucille Roberts must have strong interpersonal skills, outstanding customer service, and the ability to manage and motivate employees while continually expanding a member base. Candidates should have business or management sales experience, but do not need to have a health club, fitness or wellness background.

All Lucille Roberts' franchisees benefit from corporate and on-site training programs, regional field-based operations teams, customized management software, financial administration tools, real estate site selection, lease assistance, plus design and construction support. In addition, franchisees can take full advantage of one of the most advanced social media systems in the health club industry and have access to an extensive in-house team of marketing, advertising and public relations experts.

To learn more about ownership opportunities with Lucille Roberts please contact 1-800-329-3287 or visit www.lucilleroberts.com.

About Lucille Roberts:

In 1969, Lucille Roberts began providing group aerobics classes, which were virtually unheard of at the time. Since then, the brand has been at the forefront of class trends, implementation and development. Over the past four decades, Lucille Roberts has developed the best fitness experience for women and in that time, the company has become more than a health club for its members and guests. Lucille Roberts is a source of wellness where nutrition, weight loss and exercise have formed the foundation for a healthier lifestyle. For information, visit www.lucilleroberts.com.

SOURCE Lucille Roberts