Franchise 500 Rank
N/R Not ranked last year
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Initial investment
$197K - $625K
Units as of 2024
7 Increase 600.0% over 3 years

Company Overview

About iSmash

Industry Recreation
Related Categories Miscellaneous Recreation Businesses, Adventure Parks/Entertainment Centers, Ax Throwing
Founded 2018
Parent Company Smash Franchising LLC
Leadership Steven Shortino, CEO
Corporate Address 1225 Jefferson Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
Social Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
Sponsored Content

More from iSmash

About iSmash

iSmash is a family entertainment facility with 3 amazing activities all under one roof. We offer Rage Rooms, Splatter Paint Rooms, and state-of-the-art Axe Throwing lanes. Our stores operated with an average 27.8% net margin and $198k profits in 2023. For only $100k, you can begin your journey of becoming an iSmash Franchisee today!

The demand for each iSmash we open city after city is enormous! Our stores are at max capacity week after week. The simple reason is that people are bored with the same ole’ same ole’ i.e Pool Halls, Bowling Alley’s, Arcades, Movie Theaters, etc. Our stores are filled daily with folks of all ages looking for something fun, affordable, and unique to do. We handle all types of corporate events, and our Birthday Party packages are booked solid for months in advance.

A franchise like iSmash comes around once in a generation. We offer a complete turnkey business model with a huge demand and INSANELY HIGH PROFIT MARGINS. We handle everything for our franchisees such as: site selection, landlord negotiations, buildout, inventory, marketing, and much more. As an owner/operator, you will have a blast running an iSmash store. Within a few short months, your business can run on autopilot, giving our franchisees the option to expand into new markets.

Why Choose iSmash?

Established Brand & Proven Success: With over six years of operational experience, iSmash is the pioneer and leading brand in the smash room entertainment industry. Our business model has been meticulously refined and proven through rapid nationwide expansion.

Thriving Industry: iSmash operates within the location-based entertainment market and is expected to grow to over $30 billion by 2028. This segment has shown resilient growth even through challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing its strong market potential.

Unique Entertainment Offerings: Our franchise doesn't just offer a rage room; we provide a variety of engaging activities including axe throwing and black light splatter painting, attracting a diverse client base from families to corporate teams.

Low Investment & High Returns: Start-up costs for an iSmash franchise are competitively low, especially considering the potential high returns driven by our activities' huge gross margins. This balance makes it an attractive investment for entrepreneurs.

Comprehensive Training & Support: iSmash offers a detailed initial training program of approximately 40 hours, both in classroom settings and on-site, ensuring you are fully equipped to start and run your franchise. Ongoing support is provided 7 days a week by our knowledgeable team, covering every aspect of operations from site selection to digital marketing.

Marketing & Operational Support: Franchisees benefit from our internal digital advertising agency which handles all aspects of online marketing at a low cost, including paid advertising, social media, and SEO. Our established national supply chain and preferred vendor pricing further reduce operational hassles and costs.

Community & Flexibility: As a young franchisor in an emerging industry, iSmash is open to new ideas and innovations from our franchisees. We value the fresh perspectives that new partners bring into our community, offering an opportunity for franchisees to influence brand evolution.

Ease of Operation: iSmash’s turnkey franchise model comes with pre-existing infrastructure, comprehensive documentation, and real-time support, making it easy to start and operate. This streamlined approach allows you to focus on growing your business and maximizing customer satisfaction.

History

The first iSmash location was opened in October 2018 in Rochester, NY. Founder Steven Shortino saw the video online and decided to take a then thought to be wild idea into reality. The initial location was a success from day 1. Sales continued to grow across the first full year in business which was 2019. We were hitting all-time highs in the early parts of 2020. Then the COVID pandemic struck.

Due to government mandates, we had to close our business for almost 4 months. But Shortino was determined not to let that slow down his business. He took advantage of the downtime to redo his entire facility and ultimately "re-launch" the business in July of 2020. The initial reception was better than expected at a time filled with apprehension.

Towards the end of 2020, sales started to explode and hit record highs. This prompted the founder to consider opening a 2nd location in Syracuse, NY, which he did so successfully in May of 2021. It was around this time also that Shortino began to consider franchising iSmash.

iSmash officially became certified to sell franchises in the latter part of 2021. Shortino and his team worked diligently to perfect their franchise offering before launching. iSmash sold its 1st franchise in Tampa, FL in June of 2022. 11 more franchises followed over the next 18 months.

The company is showing no signs of slowing down. Expecting to up their franchise units sold and open tremendously over the coming years.

As the dominant player in the smash room industry, iSmash is poised to become a national success.

Ideal Candidate

First Value: Achiever - A tenacious business builder, never satisfied until they dominate the market. Motivated by accomplishment, they have a goal-oriented lifestyles and a deep commitment to success. Results, respect and control define success for the Achiever. They prefer unique, scalable, quality service and business-to-business or solution-oriented concepts.

Second Value: Emulator - Motivated by an insatiable desire for success, they are driven to do whatever it takes to conquer a challenge. Recognition and money defines success for Emulators. They prefer prestigious, progressive concepts that offer heroic, innovative solutions for their clients. They are independent thinkers and require a high degree of flexibility.

Business Overview

Franchising Since 2021 (4 years)
# of employees at HQ 6
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises throughout the US.

# of Units 7 (as of 2024)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a iSmash franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$42,500
Initial Investment Information Circle
$197,011 - $624,960
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$250,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
$150,000
Veteran Incentives Information Circle
10% off franchise fee
Royalty Fee Information Circle
6%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
up to 2%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
10 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes

Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing iSmash has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: startup costs, equipment, inventory

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 15 hours
Classroom Training 18 hours
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
Yes
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
Yes

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022