Brisbane-based wellness chain City Cave plans to open 10 locations this year, with a grand target of 50 units over the next three years.

Since opening in 2016 City Cave’s range of services has expanded to offer float therapy, infrared saunas, yoga and clinical services including psychology and kinesiology.

City Cave co-founder Jeremy Hassell said Australians are becoming more invested in their health and wellness with many seeking out providers who offer a range of services to deliver a holistic approach that works for them.

“There is a massive opportunity in the Australian health and wellness sector for sole operators and franchise models like us to bring to market services such as float therapy for people wanting to include this in their health plan,” he said.

“We believe we’ve developed a business model that works from a franchise and health industry perspective, and being a finalist in the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition gives us great confidence in what we have planned for the future,” he said.

“Whilst our ambition is to expand nationally with our first interstate location opening in Sydney, our strategic vision is to ensure every new location we open has its own identity and our clients’ needs are being met,” he said.

The model is flexible for customers, with both membership and pay per visit options available.

Typical locations are in light industrial areas, entertainment zones and medical hubs. Each site is likely to need between four to five staff, with one staff member running and operating the centre.

“One of the contributing factors for being able to achieve this goal is to ensure our franchisees are being provided with the correct support and systems to enable them to run their business seamlessly.”

The model suits investors and owner-operators who will pay between $300,000 and $400,000 to invest in a City Cave franchise.