Franchise Times: Hand & Stone Beats Two Other Brands To Win Zor Award

In a conversation with Franchise Times , Clayton Cox and John Krafty discussed the challenges they faced in prior roles in social work, pharmaceutical and telecommunications fields, as well as what led the pair to open their first Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Easton, Pennsylvania, in January 2012.

According to Cox, the pair spoke with multiple operating teams from various franchises in similar industries before settling on Hand & Stone.

“We heard from other franchisees who had negative experiences at other brands,” Krafty said, but the pair heard great things from operators at Hand & Stone and were impressed by Hand & Stone’s corporate team.

Cox added that if franchisees were able to endure all the rule changes and constant pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic, they can endure anything — and it helps when you have a supportive franchisor to lean on.

Of all the Lookin’ Good category finalists, Hand & Stone is the largest with 475-plus units, compared to MassageLuxe, the smallest brand, with about 70 units. The brand also has the highest investment range of $567,626 to $674,476. Average gross sales in 2019 for Hand & Stone locations open two years or more were $1.3 million, and sales grew by 21.1% in 2019.

Owned by finance firm Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, Hand & Stone offers a variety of massage, facial and hair removal services.