Originally posted on franchisechatter.com

Urban Air Adventure Park is the Nation’s #1 destination for family fun, featuring a variety of attractions perfect for all ages. The award-winning national franchise brand is the largest adventure park operator in the world with more than 350 parks open or under development. Urban Air, founded in 2011, was in search of a higher purpose to help kids have fun while achieving activity goals that enhance their social and physical skills.

As an accomplished leader with four decades of multi-unit operations experience, Tim Sharp serves as Brand President for Urban Air where he oversees park operations, brand standard compliance, park maintenance, safety, and new park openings. He joined Urban Air in 2019 after serving in key leadership positions that assisted in the rapid growth of brands such as Dickey’s Barbecue, Inc., Cracker Barrel, Chevys Fresh Mex, and California Pizza Kitchen.

Franchise Chatter (FC): Urban Air has been ranked #1 in the Adventure Parks category by Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for seven consecutive years. What do you attribute to the brand’s consistent success in maintaining this top position

Tim Sharp (TS): Urban Air’s consistent success stems from its steadfast commitment to delivering unparalleled family entertainment experiences and its deep understanding of what franchisees need to succeed. Our ability to innovate, stay ahead of industry trends, and adapt to changing consumer demands has allowed us to maintain our leadership position. Additionally, we provide franchisees with comprehensive support systems, cutting-edge technology, and proven operational strategies, creating a strong foundation for sustained growth and excellence.

FC: What would you say are your brand’s biggest differentiators for prospective franchisees looking to invest?

TS: Urban Air stands out due to its unmatched blend of innovation, profitability, and comprehensive franchisee support. We’re not just a park but a destination where families create lasting memories. Our proven business model, industry-leading Average Unit Volume (AUV), and continued franchise support highlight our operational excellence.

FC: You’ve been recognized for your continuous innovation and cutting-edge attractions. Can you share some of the most exciting recent developments or innovations at Urban Air that franchisees and customers are particularly excited about?

TS: Urban Air continuously pushes the boundaries of family entertainment, introducing groundbreaking attractions that redefine indoor adventure. One of the latest innovations, Adventure Slides, takes excitement to new heights—literally. These oversized, high-thrill slides combine speed, twists, and steep drops to deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience for guests of all ages. Their immersive lighting and unique elevation changes create an exhilarating ride every time.

Beyond the thrills, Urban Air’s seamless integration of booking and membership platforms ensures families can plan visits effortlessly. Our all-inclusive membership program grants unlimited access to a variety of attractions, fostering customer loyalty and encouraging repeat visits. With Adventure Slides and other cutting-edge experiences, Urban Air continues to be the ultimate destination for active family fun.

FC: With such a long history of success and rapid growth, how do you ensure that Urban Air maintains its position as the leader in family entertainment while also continuing to expand in key markets?

TS: Maintaining leadership while expanding involves a dual focus on operational excellence and market intelligence. We continuously invest in franchisee support, innovative attractions, and consumer insights to adapt to evolving market trends. Our real estate strategy ensures we open in prime locations while our robust training and marketing programs keep franchisees competitive. We maintain our brand identity and attract new audiences in untapped markets by staying true to our mission of inspiring fun and fostering connections.

FC: Your real estate team is considered one of the best in the industry. Can you elaborate on how your real estate strategies and site selection process contribute to the brand’s success?

TS: Our real estate team takes a data-driven approach to site selection, leveraging advanced market analytics to identify high-traffic, family-oriented locations. We prioritize accessibility, visibility, and proximity to complementary businesses to maximize guest convenience and drive foot traffic. With a flexible footprint, we can adapt our park layouts to fit a variety of spaces, ensuring an optimal experience regardless of location size or configuration. This adaptability allows us to bring the Urban Air experience to diverse markets while maintaining our commitment to delivering high-energy, engaging attractions for families.

FC: Urban Air doesn’t close locations, which is an impressive feat in the franchising world. What sets Urban Air apart in terms of operational efficiency and long-term franchisee profitability?

TS: Our strong support system for franchisees is the key to our operational success. From comprehensive training to ongoing performance analysis, we empower our owners to make data-driven decisions that enhance profitability. Our diversified revenue streams, such as memberships, events, and food and beverage sales, also contribute to sustained financial health. We’ve created a model that thrives in all market conditions by fostering a collaborative culture and providing tools to navigate challenges.

FC: Urban Air has the highest Average Unit Volume (AUV) in the industry. What do you believe are the key factors that have contributed to achieving this remarkable financial success?

TS: Our high AUV results from several strategic factors, including our membership model, innovative attractions, and effective marketing strategies. The all-inclusive membership encourages repeat visits and builds a loyal customer base, while our diversified offerings—like birthday parties and corporate events—boost revenue. Additionally, our in-park café transforms Urban Air into two businesses in one, providing a high-margin food and beverage operation that enhances guest experience while driving additional revenue. This combination of attractions and amenities ensures guests stay longer and spend more, further strengthening each park’s profitability. Our focus on franchisee success ensures that every location operates efficiently and reaches its full potential.

FC: As Urban Air’s growth potential remains strong, what opportunities do you see for future franchisees looking to join the brand?

TS: The family entertainment sector is booming, and Urban Air is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this growth. We’re expanding into untapped markets with high demand, offering prospective franchisees the opportunity to join a proven, profitable brand. With our cutting-edge attractions, robust franchisee support, and unmatched reputation, new owners can confidently invest in a business that delivers community impact and financial success.

Our flexible franchise model also offers opportunities for remote ownership, allowing investors to build a thriving business without day-to-day operational demands. Additionally, our scalable model makes multi-unit ownership an attractive option, enabling franchisees to expand their portfolios and maximize profitability across multiple locations. Whether operating a single park or growing a regional footprint, franchisees benefit from our established systems, strong brand recognition, and a business model designed for long-term success.

Some of the hottest markets currently available include California, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Michigan, Arkansas, Maryland, Virginia, and Rhode Island. These regions present prime opportunities for new franchisees to establish Urban Air locations in high-demand areas with strong growth potential.