Fitness franchise opens at former Price Cutter

A fitness center franchise emphasizing "judgment-free zones" opened this week at the site of a former Price Cutter.

Through Planet PF Arkansas LLC, Planet Fitness franchisee Rick Kueber holds the franchise rights for up to three stores in Springfield. The first in the Queen City, which opened in roughly 25,000 square feet March 18 at 2851 W. Republic Road, carried an investment of more than $2 million for renovations and equipment, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

The Northeastern-based company sells $10 monthly memberships transferable at Planet Fitness clubs nationwide. Kueber told the Springfield Business Journal late last year the brand emphasizes judgment-free zones for those looking to get into shape.

Kueber's franchise footprint covers Arkansas, Memphis, Tenn., Louisville, Ky., Columbia and Springfield.

At the Springfield center, Kueber employs six full-time and 15 part-time employees, according to a news release.

Founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., Planet Fitness now claims more than 750 locations and 5 million members.

The former Price Cutter store, which has a total 50,000 square feet, was listed on the market for lease at $7 per square foot annually in 2012, according to SBJ archives.