Deep lunges. Four sets of bench presses. Twenty miles on the Peloton. Hot yoga. Your members just crushed it . They’ve burned calories. They worked their muscles. They hit your gym. Now, they need a nutritious and hydrating beverage to recover and maximize the hard work they just put in. .? It’s time to Grab a protein shake!
If you’re a gym owner, you’ve probably toyed with the idea of adding a protein shake bar to your space. And while opening a beverage bar may sound daunting at first, it’s also important to understand that a nutritious bar not only enhances your members’ experience but also provides a potentially lucrative revenue stream and attracts more members.
Each workout is a journey. The motivation to go. The motivation to push boundaries. The motivation to complete the entire workout. And the motivation to repair. A nutritious and convenient beverage option empowers members to complete that journey while enhancing their overall health and mindset.
But opening a protein shake bar isn’t a simple overnight process. It comes with a distinct set of challenges that can easily be overcome with the proper knowledge and even a little help from a professional. So, let’s dive into how a protein shake bar can shake up your gym—you may find that a few blenders and natural ingredients can do wonders for bodies and your business model.
4 Reasons to Add a Juice or Protein Shake Bar to Your Gym
Enhancing the member experience and boosting revenue are two major reasons gym owners consider adding a juice or protein shake bar. But there are several other compelling motivations that make this amenity an attractive proposition.
- Customers Love Shakes and Juices!
Nothing says “I love working out at this gym” like adding a frosty, nutritious, vitamin-rich beverage to your member’s workout routine. Protein shake bars not only help members quickly and conveniently begin recovery, but also add a social element to the journey, which can lead to enhanced satisfaction (both with your gym and their bodies) as well as increased retention and elevated word-of-mouth marketing.
- Gym Owners Love Additional Revenue!
Additional revenue streams are imperative for growth, and by adding a protein shake or juice bar, you’re doing just that. As gym-goers continue to search for the healthiest ways to improve their physical well-being, the presence of a natural, nutritious bar gives them an opportunity to further invest in their health while also investing in your business, which can lead to more profitability.
- They’re Healthy!
Protein shakes and natural fruit juices are known for their role in muscle recovery and hydration. By offering a range of protein shakes and juice blends, you can provide members with the essential nutrients needed to repair and build muscle after a workout.
- They’re Great for Marketing!
Got a protein shake and juice bar? Awesome. Now you can add promotions, create loyalty programs, or bundle memberships with discounts on beverages, expanding your reach and improving both your organic and strategic marketing strategies. Let’s face it—a delicious shake looks good on a social feed.
3 Things to Keep In Mind When Adding a Juice or Protein Shake Bar to Your Gym
As with any new addition to your facility, it’s important to carefully all elements that come with installing a juice or protein shake bar.
- Costs
Every new business venture requires a little capital to get going—that’s a no-brainer. So, when you’re looking to add a new revenue stream like a shake/juice bar, it’s wise to consider all the necessary expenses, including equipment, refrigerators, employees, and remodeling costs. And that’s why it’s imperative to work with a company that knows the business inside and out and who can help you keep costs down while streamlining the process.
- Ongoing Expenses
Inventory, staff, milk, protein powders, and fruits—these are all necessary to keep your bar running efficiently while also providing customers with the best ingredients designed to optimize their health. And that means you must weigh costs versus price points to ensure you’re not only running a profitable business but also providing a product that fits within your members’ budgets.
- Waste Not, Want Not
Managing inventory effectively is vital to minimizing waste and the costs associated with waste. Predicting demand can be difficult (especially in the beginning), but by utilizing a knowledgeable partner, you can effectively manage your inventory and jumpstart your profitability.
Still Like the Idea of Opening a Beverage Bar at Your Gym? Let’s Get a Bit More Granular
Opening a beverage bar at your gym can be a lucrative venture that enhances member experience and drives revenue. But it's important to understand the costs, equipment needs, potential revenue, and benefits to your customers' fitness goals before diving in.
Let's take a more detailed look at some key considerations!
What About Cost and Equipment?
We’ve already covered this a bit, but it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of the costs associated with opening your bar. You’ll need permits and licenses, blenders, refrigeration, storage, small to major renovations, and initial inventory to launch. Plus, you’ll need to hire and train staff to ensure customer satisfaction and enhance retention. While there’s no doubt opening a shake and juice bar in your gym can have a major impact on your bottom line, it’s important to know what lies ahead.
What Kind of Revenue Are We Talking About?
Just like any food and beverage enterprise, revenue depends on several factors, including pricing, product range, and attracting customers. Offering a variety of standout, natural, and nutritious options at competitive prices can help attract customers and add value to your gym, making it more attractive to potential members.
By implementing loyalty programs or creating discounts for members, you can increase customer loyalty and develop a healthy financial pipeline that can easily offset both your initial investment costs and your ongoing costs. In fact, juice bars can bring in an additional $100K - $600K annually when launched and managed correctly.
What About Muscle Recovery?
It’s no secret—protein shakes and hydrating juices offer an efficient way to promote muscle recovery through much-needed nutrients. By offering a wide range of beverage options that cater to unique dietary needs and preferences (as well as taste buds), you can enhance your brand identity and give members the supplements they depend upon in a convenient and delicious fashion.
Will a Protein Shake Bar Differentiate My Gym In the Market?
Short answer—yes. By setting yourself apart from the competition by offering high-quality, natural, nutritional beverages to your clients, you can expand your visibility and enhance credibility as a business that is dedicated to the overall well-being of your members. But in order to differentiate, you must have a solid understanding of your competitors' strengths and weaknesses. And that includes researching their product offerings, as well as their ambiance, customer service, marketing, brand identity, and messaging.
By generating a unique selling proposition (USP) for your bar through crave-able flavors, nutritional advantages, organic and natural ingredients, and knowledgeable staff, you can capture market share and capture hearts simultaneously.
So, what have we learned? Adding a shake and juice bar to your gym is a sound way to blend revenue streams while also offering your members what they want—a convenient and healthy way to recover post-workout with a beverage selection that keeps the taste buds coming back for more.
But it’s not just about revenue—it’s about showing your members you care about their entire physical and mental journey from walking out their front door through walking out of your front door. Building trust through nutrition is just another way you can uplift your customers’ experience while also giving them everything they need to lead a healthful life all under one roof. If you think you’re ready for a gym bar, we’re ready to help guide you through the process.
Contact Performance Food Centers today to get started!
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic - When You Should Drink a Protein Shake
