KINGSTON, NY — Massage Heights, a massage and wellness chain, has opened its newest location in Kingston, NY, which is the brand’s first location in NY state. The new Retreat is located at 1204 Ulster Avenue, Suite #2 Kingston, NY 12401. Massage Heights has 115 Retreats in 16 states.
The franchisee for the new location is David Shawger and his business partners. Shawger is an existing franchisee with Massage Heights, and this will mark his second location with the brand. Having spent more than two decades as an IT consultant, Shawger had always felt a strong sense of an entrepreneurship and was looking to invest in a brand with a strong, collaborative and structural system.
Alongside Shawger are Chas Cerulli and Maria Weitzman, both of whom are taking their first step into the franchising world with this new endeavor. Cerulli has been working in higher education dining for more than 25 years and has vast experience in hospitality. After becoming a member of Massage Heights in New Jersey as a solution to his chronic back pain, he became a firm believer in the brand and the healing power of touch. Weitzman has experience as a marketing manager and consultant, working for international finance brands such as JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America. After visiting Shawger’s existing location in Morristown, NJ and experiencing the services, her decision to join Massage Heights was solidified. Both Cerulli and Weitzman having been members of Shawger’s existing location saw first-hand how the brand brings a needed service to the community.
“The Massage Heights team has always given me consistent support and that is what gave me the confidence to expand,” said Shawger. “Being a consumer of massages for years, I have a personal commitment to wellness and know how important it is. Chas, Maria, and I look forward to breaking into the New York market while serving and connecting with the people of Kingston.”
“Launching our first retreat in New York is a testament to the relentless spirit of innovation that drives our company forward,” said Susan Boresow, President & CEO of Massage Heights. “We are excited to see the success David, Chas and Maria will generate, and to see the key role they will play in giving back to the Kingston community and beyond.”
According to Massage Height’s franchising website, average revenues per location are $1,038,246 with an initial investment of $400-500,000 and a $49,500 franchise fee.
