Crunch Fitness, the high-value, low-price gym brand celebrated for its inclusive fitness experience, has announced the promotion of John D’Anna to Chief Development Officer. The announcement, effective January 21st, 2025, signals a strategic move to bolster the company’s expansion and franchise growth.
Driving Growth and Elevating Real Estate Excellence
Since joining Crunch Fitness in January 2024 as Senior Vice President of Real Estate, D’Anna has been instrumental in driving the brand’s real estate and construction strategies. Under his leadership, Crunch achieved a remarkable 41% year-over-year increase in signed leases (jaw drop). This was a record-setting accomplishment that positions the company for sustained growth.
In his new role, D’Anna will oversee Crunch’s real estate, construction, franchise growth, and Signature facilities teams. He will focus on expanding the company’s footprint and enhancing operational profitability. With nearly 30 years of experience in real estate development and franchise relations, D’Anna brings a wealth of expertise from leadership roles at Axios Equities and McDonald’s. He spearheaded high-impact development initiatives across the U.S. for these companies. But it wasn’t always leadership roles where John built his real estate IQ. John cut his teeth as a Regional Real Estate Manager for McDonald’s Corporation in the late 90s and early 2000s. It’s the grit he had in those early days that still fuels his success to this day. Whether finding a site for the Golden Arches or a brand new Crunch gym, real estate is in his blood.
John D’Anna: A Visionary Leader at the Helm
D’Anna’s reputation as a leader extends beyond his real estate expertise. Known for cultivating top-performing teams and fostering a culture of excellence, he has built strong relationships with franchisees, developers, and major retailers. These relationships ensure value creation for stakeholders.
Chequan Lewis, President of Crunch Fitness, praised D’Anna’s appointment, saying, “John’s extensive background in real estate and his proven ability to execute large-scale development strategies make him an exceptional addition to our executive team. His vision, expertise, and ability to build strong partnerships with franchisees will be key as we continue to expand the Crunch brand and bring our unique fitness experience to more communities worldwide.”
Reflecting on his new role, D’Anna shared his enthusiasm: “I am excited to step into the role of Chief Development Officer at Crunch Fitness at such an exciting time in our journey. Crunch has built an incredible brand that resonates with people of all fitness levels, and I look forward to helping expand its presence and reach. By collaborating with franchisees, developers, brokers, and related networks, together with the broader Crunch executive team, I’m confident we can continue delivering exceptional experiences for members. This will drive the company’s growth goals.”
The Importance of Real Estate in 2025
Real estate remains a critical driver for success in the fitness industry, and Crunch Fitness is seizing the moment. As the world adapts to evolving consumer preferences and economic realities, strategic real estate decisions have become more important than ever. Brands seeking to maximize reach and profitability need to make these decisions.
In 2025, the emphasis is on location flexibility and footprint optimization. Gym-goers are demanding convenient access, ample parking, and modern facilities tailored to their fitness needs. Meanwhile, operators aim to manage costs and maximize revenue per square foot. John A. D’Anna’s expertise in real estate development places Crunch in a prime position to navigate these challenges.
Emerging Trends in Gym Spaces
One major trend shaping the fitness industry is flexible space sizing. Gyms, known for high-value, low-price models, have to successfully adapt to diverse real estate opportunities. They occupy a variety of footprints. For example:
- Mid-Sized Facilities in Suburban Areas: These gyms typically range from 15,000 to 25,000 square feet, making them an ideal size for suburban communities. Members seek comprehensive fitness options close to home.
- Compact Urban Locations: In high-density cities, Crunch’s ability to thrive in spaces as small as 10,000 to 15,000 square feet is key. With innovative layouts and efficient use of square footage, these gyms cater to urbanites who prioritize convenience without sacrificing quality.
- Repurposed Retail Spaces: As shopping malls and big-box retailers shift or downsize, Crunch has tapped into repurposing opportunities. They transform vacant anchor stores or large retail areas into vibrant fitness hubs. These locations often feature sprawling open plans, high ceilings, and parking capacity to support member needs.
D’Anna’s approach to site selection emphasizes aligning gym locations with modern consumer behaviors. Proximity to residential areas, workplaces, and shopping centers ensures convenience. Meanwhile, leveraging analytics tools helps identify underutilized properties with strong potential for growth. As flexible work arrangements continue into 2025, Crunch is expected to expand its presence in hybrid-use neighborhoods. Here, members balance work and fitness more seamlessly.
A Real Estate Vision for the Future
Real estate is no longer just a cost center—it’s a strategic asset that shapes the member experience and drives long-term profitability. Crunch Fitness’s emphasis on adaptive, innovative space solutions reflects its commitment to meeting members wherever they are. As Chief Development Officer, John A. D’Anna will guide the brand’s expansion into the right locations, creating fitness spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and perfectly suited to the communities they serve.
For more on Crunch Fitness they were recently highlighted in Top 10 Gym Franchises to Join in 2025. Additional reported on Crunch in August of 2024 Crunch Celebrates Momentous Year at Annual Franchise Convention.
