The pitch: Cyclebar is a premium, indoor-cycling studio that has 41 spinning cycles – each with monitors showing health statistics. An instructor leads the classes from a podium in front of the room. As classes begin, the room darkens into a club-like atmosphere. First-time riders get a free water bottle.
Years in business: Opened Dec. 13, 2018
Employees: 15
Cost to obtain franchise: $150,000 in liquid assets; $284,350-$497,150 total approximate investment
Before opening franchise: Sheila Hayes grew up in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Her family owned restaurants in Newport. Claire Hayes, a Stonehill College graduate and Sheila’s daughter, began working with a family nanny in Wellesley, Mass.
Reason for opening: While living in Massachusetts, Claire Hayes began spinning in classes, became passionate about spinning and developed a connection with individuals who started Cyclebar there. She then spoke with her mother about opening a location in Rhode Island.
“We have people coming in and telling us how much weight they have lost. People are bringing in their mothers [to spin]. They know they can do it. People can get on a bike and exercise. It’s most rewarding to see repeat customers coming in three, four times a week and bringing in their family.”
– Sheila Hayes
“I was born and raised here, and Claire was born and raised here. … We really didn’t think of anyplace but Rhode Island [to open]. There is another Cyclebar in Providence, but still, we figured, Why not Rhode Island?”
– Sheila Hayes
“We’re also involved in charity rides. [Recently] we did our first charity ride. We donated the studio. A family came in wanting to raise money for ALS and they took the donations for the charity. We didn’t charge them for using the studio.”
– Sheila Hayes
“We’re getting everybody from all walks [of life]. There is no age definition. We’re getting everyone from 21-year-olds to our oldest [student, who] is 70. We’re also getting more men [taking the classes] than we ever thought we were going to.”
– Sheila Hayes