Kevin Hart is jumping off the stage and into the gym, signing on as an equity partner and the first-ever executive partner for brand and growth at Burn Boot Camp. The Cornelius and Charlotte-born fitness franchise is hitching its next big chapter to the star power, as it gears up for an aggressive 2026 rollout that includes a target of roughly 150 new locations.
Hart Will Be An Owner And Operator
Burn Boot Camp announced that Hart has joined as an Equity Partner, Franchisee and Executive Partner of Brand and Growth, with plans to open his own Burn location in California later this year. “This partnership is built for the long term,” Hart said, adding that he is committed “to helping build a brand that develops leaders, creates healthy families, and delivers lasting impact.” Those details are laid out in a press release from PR Newswire.
Charlotte-Founded Brand Built For Scale
Founded by Devan and Morgan Kline and headquartered near Charlotte, Burn Boot Camp says it now has more than 620 open and awarded territories, bolstered by its digital subscription offering, Burn On Demand. The company points to average annual unit revenues north of $700,000 when it talks with prospective franchisees and investors, a number meant to catch the eye of would-be owners as much as Hart’s name on the marquee. According to Burn Boot Camp, Hart’s role is framed as strategic stewardship rather than a quick celebrity endorsement that vanishes after the initial buzz.
Ambitious 2026 Target
Charlotte Business Journal reports that Burn is targeting roughly 150 new units in 2026, a ramp that would materially accelerate openings and awarded territories over this year. The outlet notes that Burn plans to lean on its existing pipeline of awarded territories and ongoing franchise demand to hit that goal, while the Hart partnership is expected to broaden the brand’s reach among potential owners. If the plan works, the expansion could heat up competition for retail leases and trainer talent across several markets, as gyms and landlords both look to cash in.
Franchise Economics And Local Impact
Itemized, FDD-based estimates put the all-in initial investment for a Burn Boot Camp franchise in the roughly $250,000-$575,000 range, with a franchise fee in the neighborhood of $60,000 plus ongoing royalties and marketing fees. Those cost figures and build-out line items are broken down in franchise analyses and FDD reviews from FranchiseChatter. If Burn hits its 150-unit target, that growth push would generate near-term demand for contractors, equipment suppliers and fitness staff, while putting a brighter marketing spotlight on the company’s Charlotte-area headquarters…