Established
2013
Franchise Units
1
Minimum Investment
$398,590
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$587,380
Home Based
No
Description
In an era where "self-care" is often synonymous with expensive, all-day commitments, Wake Foot Sanctuary has carved out a revolutionary niche. It is more than just a spa; it is an immersive, sensory retreat designed for the modern individual who craves luxury but lacks time. Founded on the principle that rejuvenation should be accessible, communal, and deeply indulgent, Wake offers a proprietary experience centered around the "sanctuary" of a foot soak.
Unlike traditional day spas that require guests to disrobe and commit to hours of treatments, Wake provides high-touch, 45-minute services in a shared, social environment. This "communal luxury" model allows friends to relax together while professional therapists provide focused massage on the feet, legs, head, neck, and shoulders. Positioned at the intersection of the $16 billion US spa industry and the booming wellness movement, Wake Foot Sanctuary has established itself as a brand with industry-leading revenue per square foot. It isn't just a business; it’s a hospitality-first sanctuary that turns a simple foot soak into a transformative ritual.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in Wake Foot Sanctuary is a strategic move into a first-to-market category. Here is why savvy entrepreneurs are looking at this brand:
High Revenue per Square Foot: The communal seating model maximizes space efficiency far better than traditional spas with private rooms.
Recurring Revenue Streams: Beyond services, Wake boasts a robust retail program featuring proprietary apothecary products, jewelry, and "sensuous" body care that accounts for a significant portion of total sales.
Scalable & Operational Ease: With no full-body massage requirements, the hiring pool for massage therapists is wider, and the operational overhead is lower than full-service spas.
Culture of Service: The brand is built on "Service Excellence," fostering a loyal following of repeat guests and high staff retention.
Background
- Established Year: Founded in 2013 in Asheville, North Carolina.
- Franchising Since: 2017.
- Founders: Melissa and Brian Long, a husband-and-wife duo who combined their backgrounds in corporate marketing and custom home building to create a meticulously designed brand.
- Brand Journey: What started as a single, highly successful location in the historic Grove Arcade has grown into a national franchise opportunity. The name "Wake" was inspired by the founders' beloved dog, symbolizing kindness and a welcoming nature.
- Market Presence: While the flagship is in Asheville, the brand is expanding across the USA, with active units in locations like Knoxville, TN, and others in development.
- Industry Category: Specialized Wellness & Boutique Spa Services.
- Franchise Active Units : 1
Support Training
Wake Foot Sanctuary provides a "white-glove" support system to ensure your sanctuary is a success from day one:
Pre-Launch Support: Expert guidance on site selection and lease negotiation through preferred commercial real estate partners.
Design & Construction: Access to customized architectural plans and interior design services that ensure the "sanctuary" aesthetic is consistent and cost-effective.
Academic Training: A comprehensive two-week training program at the corporate headquarters for owners and 1–3 key team members, covering operations, POS systems, and service protocols.
Marketing & PR: A full suite of marketing templates, social media strategy, and public relations support to build local buzz before you even open your doors.
Ongoing Support: Continued leadership coaching, field operations visits, and access to a proprietary operations manual that evolves with industry trends.
Ideal Candidate
We aren't just looking for "investors"—we are looking for brand stewards. The ideal Wake franchisee:
Passion for Service: You genuinely love making people feel better than when they walked in.
Leadership Excellence: You have experience managing teams and fostering a positive, "no-judgment" workplace culture.
Business Acumen: While a spa background isn't required, a strong understanding of P&L management and local marketing is a plus.
Investment Capability: Financial readiness to fund the build-out of a premium, high-end retail and service space.
Location Preference: Entrepreneurs looking to open in high-foot-traffic lifestyle centers, historic districts, or upscale urban pockets.
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (Low) | Estimated Cost (High) |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $50,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $180,000 | $300,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $45,000 | $75,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $15,000 | $25,000 |
| Signage & Decor | $8,000 | $15,000 |
| Training Expenses (Travel/Lodging) | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Professional Fees (Legal/Accounting) | $3,000 | $8,000 |
| Insurance & Licenses | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Additional Funds (3-6 Months Working Capital) | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $398,590 | $587,380 |
