Max Muscle

Max Muscle is a specialty retailer focused on sports nutrition and fitness supplements, operating under Max Muscle Sports Nutrition, Inc. The company was founded in 1991 by Joe Wells, a former NFL linebacker who set out to build a reliable destination for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking high-quality nutritional products. Over the years, Max Muscle grew quickly through franchising, reaching more than 150 stores nationwide at its peak in the late 2000s. One notable milestone in the company’s history was its widespread recognition for knowledgeable staff and personalized nutrition coaching, which helped distinguish the brand in a competitive market.

As of November 2025, Max Muscle maintains a network of approximately 40 stores, with its footprint concentrated in California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and select other states. In the past five years, the company has shifted its approach to growth, focusing on optimizing its existing locations and expanding its e-commerce platform. Max Muscle is selectively pursuing new franchise opportunities in high-growth fitness markets, targeting both suburban and urban centers with strong fitness demand. The brand’s retail concept blends product sales with individualized nutrition guidance, appealing to a broad range of customers from dedicated athletes to everyday wellness seekers.

For landlords, brokers, and developers, Max Muscle’s established reputation, history of successful franchising, and adaptable store formats make it a relevant tenant for neighborhood centers, power centers, and mixed-use developments. The company’s recent evolution reflects broader trends in health and wellness retail, with an emphasis on omnichannel engagement and partnerships within local fitness communities.