Family camping and entertainment franchise Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts has achieved its 12th consecutive year of growth, the operator reported yesterday.
The leading North American franchise, celebrated its 50th anniversary by posting record system sales. Same-park sales through 30 September (the end of the camping season for most Jellystone Park locations) were up 9.9% over 2018.
The Jellystone Park franchise, which boasts 75 locations across the United States and Canada, is known for amenities such as pools, splashgrounds and water slides, as well as activities including jumping pillows, mini golf, and pedal carts. Its popular theme weekends feature interactions with the Yogi Bear characters. Glamping accommodations include premium, air-conditioned cabins, yurts, tree houses and fully equipped RVs.
“Several factors explain our growth,” said Rob Schutter, COO of Leisure Systems, Inc., the brand’s franchisor. “Millennial families are increasingly discovering camping and glamping, and most want the amenities, activities and accommodations that only Jellystone Park offers.” Schutter noted that retail store sales were up more than 16%, while ancillary sales, which include food service and optional activities such as laser tag, were up more than 18%.
According to the operator, the brand’s strong sales performance, combined with its ranking as a top franchise by Entrepreneur, Franchise Business Review and Franchise Gator, is generating strong interest among prospective franchisees, especially commercial real estate investors. Jellystone Park welcomed three new franchisees this year and expects to add four locations in 2020.
“There is tremendous momentum throughout the Jellystone Park system,” said Rick Spear, chairman of the franchisee advisory committee and long-time owner of the Estes Park, Colorado resort. “We have the benefit of being part of an established franchise system that is very much at the forefront of family vacation trends.”
Image: twitter.com/campjellystone