Hayes Valley's 'Cardio Barre' Throws In The Towel After 4 Years

Hayes Valley's 'Cardio Barre' Throws In The Towel After 4 YearsPhoto: Teresa Hammerl/Hoodline
Teresa Hammerl
Published on August 01, 2017

After coming to the neighborhood in 2013, tipster Spawn alerted us last week that Cardio Barre is gone for good.

When we visited, we found a three-day notice to pay rent or quit on the door indicating that rent hasn't been paid since April 2017. Peeking through the windows, it appeared that most of the studio's equipment and furniture was still there, despite "For Lease" signs.

We tried contacting owner Nick Wen via the studio's email address, but it was no longer active. The studio's website has also been taken down. When we called, a recorded message said employees were unavailable and helping other clients.

The three-day notice to pay rent or quit. | Photo: Teresa Hammerl/Hoodline

In 2013, Wen told Hoodline that he planned to manage the franchise, which was "going to be somewhat of a dance studio."

Cardio Barre founder and CEO Richard Giorla confirmed on the phone that the San Francisco studio is individually owned and operated as a franchise. He also said he's filed a lawsuit because Wen owns him a substantial amount of money.

We were not able to find a way to contact Wen or the building's owner for comment.

Giorla said he is now also concerned about Cardio Barre's brand reputation and the clients of the San Francisco studio.

Inside Cardio Barre's Hayes Valley location. | Photo: B K./Yelp

On Yelp, customers have expressed their frustration.

"[...] I just found out the studio has closed without any notice. I tried to email them for my class credits... no reply at all!!!" wrote Yelper Glo W. "I, like many here now, have just found out that the studio has closed unexpectedly," Kelly R. noted.

Wen opened another Cardio Barre studio in Pleasanton at the Hacienda Business Park two years ago, which Yelp now lists as closed, too.

PHOTO: CRISTHINE S./YELP

Haley Klein, who works at commercial real estate agency DeRose & Appelbaum said via email that she's currently soliciting proposals for the space and is offering tours to interested parties.

According to a property listing, the 3,260-square-foot space comes with high ceilings, a wide retail front, recent upgrades, signage opportunity utilities and two 100-AMP electric circuits. 

Lease terms are stated as "flexible and open to negotiation." Klein can be reached at 415 781-7700, or by email at [email protected].

Thanks very much to tipster Spawn.

Do you have questions about a San Francisco business? Text Hoodline and we’ll see what we can find out: (415) 200-3233.