Year began: 1935 Franchising since: 1988
In 1935 David Shakarian started a health-food store in Pittsburgh called Lackzoom. It specialized in yogurt (which his father had helped introduce to the United States), but also carried health-food products such as honey and grains. Beginning with $35 in receipts his first day, Shakarian expanded to six Pittsburgh-area stores in five years.
As more people became interested in natural foods and better nutrition, Shakarian opened stores in other states and changed the company’s name to General Nutrition Centers (GNC). GNC also began producing its own vitamin and mineral supplements, foods, drinks and cosmetics. It started franchising in 1988.
With company and franchised stores throughout the United States and worldwide, GNC now focuses on vitamins and nutritional supplements.The “GNC Live Well” store format offers a full line of supplements plus aromatherapy, bath and spa products.
|
300 6th Ave., 4th Fl.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (800)766-7099/(412)338-2503
Fax: (412)402-7105
| Franchisor is a publicly-held company with 600 employee(s); 28 employee(s) in franchise department.
|
Franchise Growth
Year2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
U.S. Franchises980
1,046
1,156
1,335
1,324
Canadian Franchises4
4
5
6
7
Foreign Franchises1,000
1,000
858
767
692
Company
Owned2,693
2,693
2,785
2,644
2,649
Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide
Worldwide
Exclusive territories available.
Last Updated: 8/4/2008 12:00:00 AM
