Key Takeaways
- Youth Enrichment Brands opened approximately 100 new franchise locations in the past year, the most in company history
- The company sold more than 130 new franchises systemwide across its four brands
- YEB is growing at a 12% annual rate, which leadership describes as “rapid but sustainable”
- Franchisee cash-on-cash return is the central metric driving all development decisions
- Cross-brand collaboration and shared purchasing power are priorities for 2026
A Conversation on Growth
In a sit-down with Youth Sports Business Report, Elliot Schiffer, Chief Development Officer at Youth Enrichment Brands, shared how the parent company of School of Rock, US Sports Camps, i9 Sports, and SafeSplash Swim School posted its strongest development year on record.
The numbers tell the story: roughly 100 new franchise locations opened and more than 130 new franchises sold systemwide over the past year. That translates to approximately 12% annual growth.
“We believe that’s rapid but still very sustainable,” Schiffer said.
YEB now serves more than 1 million kids annually across 3,000+ locations in all 50 states and 20 countries.
The Franchisee-First Philosophy
Schiffer joined YEB in April 2024 after scaling Smashburger from 80 to 350 locations. He brought a simple but exacting focus to the role: franchisee cash-on-cash return.
“Every decision we make, whether it’s around construction, marketing, programming, or pricing, should ultimately be designed to improve franchisee returns,” Schiffer explained.
The company works three levers to hit that goal: reducing construction costs, driving stronger opening revenues through local marketing, and helping franchisees prioritize higher-margin programs.
When asked what ultimately fuels sustainable expansion, Schiffer didn’t hesitate.
“Nothing drives sustainable growth more than great franchisees validating the brand,” he said. “When existing owners are thriving and advocating for the business, that endorsement is the most powerful sales tool you can have.”
Picking the Right Markets
Schiffer walked through how YEB evaluates new opportunities. The answer starts with people, not demographics.
“First and foremost, we look for the right people. Passion, commitment, and a long-term mindset matter more than almost anything else,” he said. “Many of our area developers, particularly in sports concepts like i9 Sports, are parents themselves, which creates an authentic connection to the mission.”
Market fundamentals come second: growing youth population, strong community engagement, and unmet demand for quality enrichment options.
“We’re focused on what’s needed and sustainable, not just chasing what’s ‘hot’ at the moment,” Schiffer added.
The third piece is support. Comprehensive in-person training ensures franchisees can operate at a high level from day one.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Asked what excites him most about the year ahead, Schiffer pointed to cross-brand integration.
“What excites me most about 2026 is how connected our portfolio is becoming,” he said. “Each of our brands delivers the highest quality, age-appropriate education and enrichment for kids at different stages of life.”
Franchisees will increasingly benefit from shared marketing insights, cross-brand growth opportunities, and the ability to purchase technology, merchandise, and services at scale.
“That kind of collaboration strengthens every brand while improving the experience for families,” Schiffer said.
Source: Youth Sports Business Report Interview with Elliot Schiffer, February 2026
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