KidStrong, a U.S based youth training and development franchise founded in 2015 in Lexington, Kentucky, has signed its largest franchise development agreement to date, awarding 61 new units across the New York tri-state region to existing franchisee Joe Pedatella.
Pedatella already operates 16 KidStrong centres across the region and has two additional locations currently in pre-sale. The new agreement significantly expands his development pipeline and positions him as one of the brand’s largest franchise operators.
“We’re focused on building the right foundation for long-term growth,” Pedatella said about the expansion strategy as the brand scales its presence in the Northeast.
Under the deal, the new centres will open across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, one of the most densely populated markets in the United States. Pedatella plans to continue opening locations steadily while strengthening local operations and staffing.
KidStrong has been expanding rapidly in the youth enrichment and wellness segment. The brand currently operates around 180 locations nationwide and expects to open between 55 and 60 new centres this year, reflecting growing demand from families for structured physical and developmental programs for children.
Founded by Matt Sharp and Megin Sharp, KidStrong offers 45-minute coach-led classes designed for children from infancy through pre-teens. The programs combine physical fitness, brain development exercises and social-emotional learning aimed at building confidence, leadership and resilience.
The latest multi-unit agreement highlights KidStrong’s franchise-driven growth strategy, which focuses on experienced operators developing clusters of locations in key metropolitan markets. With the new tri-state deal, the brand continues to deepen its presence in the Northeast while expanding its national footprint.
