HOTWORX Surges to No. 58 on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500®
Infrared fitness brand climbs 37 spots year-over-year as demand for efficient, tech-driven workouts accelerates.
NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 21, 2026 — HOTWORX®, the 24-hour infrared fitness studio franchise, has been named No. 58 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500® list. The ranking is a significant jump from No. 95 in 2025 and reflects the brand’s rapid growth, strong franchisee performance, and expanding global footprint since launching in 2017.
“This recognition speaks to the strength of our model and the passion of our franchisees,” said Stephen Smith, Founder and CEO of HOTWORX. “We’ve always known that infrared training would change the way people think about fitness. Seeing HOTWORX climb the Franchise 500 validates the work happening every day inside our studios and the momentum we’re building for the future.”
How Entrepreneur Evaluates Franchise Excellence
The Franchise 500® is widely regarded as a leading franchise ranking. HOTWORX’s placement reflects strong performance across key metrics including unit growth, financial strength and stability, franchisee support, brand power, and operational and marketing systems.
“For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year’s ranking proves that the best brands don’t just survive changing markets; they thrive in them,” said Jason Feifer, Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine. “These 500 companies represent some of the most reliable pathways to business ownership in America, each one vetted through our rigorous analysis of what actually drives franchisee success.”
Recognition That Reflects System-Wide Strength
HOTWORX’s upward momentum is reinforced by additional national recognitions from Entrepreneur in 2025, including:
- No. 15 — Fastest-Growing Franchises
- No. 57 — Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners
- No. 75 — Top Franchises for Veterans
Built around 24-hour access, virtually instructed workouts, and patented infrared sauna technology, HOTWORX has carved a differentiated position at the intersection of fitness, recovery, and wellness. The brand’s scalable model resonates with both first-time and multi-unit franchisees seeking resilient business opportunities in a competitive marketplace.
HOTWORX’s rise in the 2026 ranking reflects the strength of its franchise system and the growing consumer demand for efficient, results-driven fitness experiences. To view HOTWORX in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results also appear in the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur.
For more information about HOTWORX and to find a location, visit hotworx.net. For franchising opportunities, see hotworx.net/franchising.
About HOTWORX®
Founded in Marrero, Louisiana, HOTWORX introduced a groundbreaking infrared fitness program and is one of the fastest-growing franchises worldwide. With more than 800 studio locations and over 250,000 members, HOTWORX provides an immersive, virtually instructed exercise experience that combines infrared heat with 30-minute isometric workouts or 15-minute HIIT sessions. Using its patented infrared sauna and a “3D Training” method—blending heat, infrared energy, and exercise—HOTWORX offers deep, detoxifying workouts. Members can book sessions through the HOTWORX Burn Off app.
Source: HOTWORX