VIO Med Spa has signed a franchise agreement to enter the Richmond market, with its first location planned for 1058 Steam Ave. in Midlothian, Virginia, as the physician-guided medical spa brand continues its U.S. expansion.
The agreement brings VIO Med Spa into one of Virginia’s fastest-growing metro areas, with the company citing Richmond’s population growth, consumer demand and demographics as key factors behind the market selection.
“Our evaluation process identified Richmond as one of our top target markets, and this agreement brings together that opportunity with the right operators to capitalize on it,” said Ryan Rao, Chief Development Officer at VIO Med Spa. “The greater Richmond area offers a compelling combination of strong consumer demand, attractive demographics and room to build a meaningful regional presence over time.”
The new location will be led by longtime friends and business partners Hari Patel and Meet Patel, who bring experience operating multiple franchise businesses. The pair left careers in finance and banking shortly after college to pursue franchising, opening their first Tropical Smoothie Cafe location in 2022 at the age of 22.
They have since expanded their portfolio to seven Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations and one Spitz Mediterranean restaurant. VIO Med Spa will mark their first entry into the medical aesthetics sector.
“When Meet and I evaluate a new business opportunity, we look just as closely at the systems and support behind the brand as we do the industry itself,” said Hari Patel. “As we looked to enter the medical aesthetics space, VIO stood out for its strong structure and the tremendous support provided by its team. We look forward to opening our first location and bringing high-quality, physician-guided medical aesthetics services to the Richmond community.”
The Richmond agreement adds to VIO Med Spa’s development momentum, with the company reporting more than 15 new franchise agreements signed in 2026, including a recent agreement in Atlanta. The brand is continuing to target high-growth markets across the U.S. as it expands its franchise network.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, VIO Med Spa operates a physician-guided model focused on medical aesthetics and wellness. Its services include injectables, skin rejuvenation, laser treatments, advanced facials, wellness services and medical-grade skincare, supported by established clinical protocols and medical oversight.
VIO was named the No. 1 Med Spa Franchise in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for the third consecutive year in 2026. According to the brand’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, its operating locations generated $1.3 million in average unit volume (AUV) during 2025, while the top-quartile average reached $2.3 million. VIO said the top-quartile figure represented its third consecutive year at that level.
The company entered 2026 with a growing national footprint and now operates 65 locations across 20 states, with more than 175 territories open, sold or actively in development.
VIO Med Spa is backed by Freeman Spogli, which the company describes as a strategic growth partner with experience scaling consumer and franchise businesses. The investment supports VIO’s operational infrastructure, leadership, field operations, data-driven expansion and growth capital.
The brand is currently seeking franchise partners and multi-unit operators from hospitality, fitness, healthcare-adjacent, QSR and other service-driven industries as it continues its expansion across the U.S.
The planned Midlothian opening will mark VIO Med Spa’s first location in the Richmond market and further extends the brand’s strategy of partnering with experienced multi-unit operators to enter and develop new territories.
