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Franco's History

The history of Franco's Athletic Club dates back to 1986 when Ron and Sandy Franco moved to Mandeville, LA with the hopes of purchasing the Bon Temps Club, a 28,000 sq. ft. racquetball and social club. They were successful in purchasing the club on April 4, 1988. The club was originally on two acres and had ten racquetball courts, a 1000 sq. ft. weight room, and outdoor pool, four tennis courts, and parking.

After acquiring the club, the Franco's spent two weeks to remodel it, transforming it into a viable new business. Franco's Athletic Club opened its doors on April 17, 1988. Since then, Franco's has grown to be one of the largest health clubs in Louisiana. We currently host over 112,000-sq. ft. of indoor fun.

Today, Franco's Athletic Club is one of the most highly regarded health and fitness centers in the world. With a strong commitment to producing first-rate programs for seniors, children, and adults alike, Franco's has become a model facility for health clubs all across the country.

In addition, Franco's Athletic Club has been recognized through the years with many outstanding industry and community awards including:

» The 1996 Chamber of Commerce's COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD presented to Ron and Sandy Franco for long-standing community service.
» Twice voted ST. TAMMANY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR'Chamber of Commerce.
» Fit Magazine ranked Franco's Athletic Club the 4th Club in the Nation.
» The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), boasting over 7,000 members internationally, has named Franco's Athletic Club to its VANGAURD COMMITTEE, representing the best in the industry, and considered the top 5% in performance.
» IHRSA, in 1997 recognized Franco's Athletic Club membership sales team as the SALES TEAM OF THE YEAR.
» Sandy Franco was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for IHRSA.
» Voted top tennis facility in LA and top 5 in the country by Tennis Magazine.
» 1999 State Championship Swim Team'Franco's Fins.
» Named '99 SENIOR CLUB OF THE YEAR BY Healthcare Dimensions.
» IHRSA 2000 Keiser 50+ Award.
» Best Places to Work, New Orleans CitiBusiness 2006
» Best Health Club, Best Swim Club, Best Tennis Courts 2005, 2006 and 2007, Sophisticated Woman LINK
» World's Best Athletic Club, Discover Entertainment Group 2007
» 2012 Fit Friendly Gold Achievement, American Heart Association, for promoting employee health and fitness
» Tammany Award: Business of the Year, St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce 2013