What Boutique Gyms and Play Cafes Can Teach Us About Coworking Revenue

Coworking operators often assume that flex desks and memberships will drive the business model, but what if that’s not actually true? In this episode, I share insights from boutique gyms and play cafes that reveal how different business models generate sustainable revenue. These parallels highlight why private offices, events, and other add-ons are often the true engines of coworking profitability. What we cover: - Why flex desks are often overestimated in pro formas, and why they rarely drive long-term revenue - The boutique fitness analogy: why high-value services (like private offices) outperform low-cost memberships - What play cafes teach us about add-ons and event revenue as reliable income streams - The challenge of churn in coworking memberships—and how to offset it with longer-term commitments - Why operators need to look under the hood of successful models instead of assuming what’s working from the outside Everything Coworking Featured Resources: - Community Manager University - https://everythingcoworking.com/community-manager-university/ - Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space: https://courses.everythingcoworking.com/behind-the-scenes-secrets-organic-opt-in - Coworking Startup School: https://courses.everythingcoworking.com/coworking-startup-school-organic-2025 🔔 Hit subscribe now & stay tuned for valuable tips, interactive podcasts, industry trends, and expert interviews on building and running a profitable coworking space! https://www.youtube.com/@everythingcoworking/?sub_confirmation=1 🔊 Listen to my podcasts 🔊 → https://www.everythingcoworking.com/podcast ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Audio Podcast is currently on your favorite platforms: 👉ApplePodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everything-coworking/id991355914 ============================= 🎬 Recommended Playlists 👉 Coworking Education https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfZE25IKRGiPEyB1WWerqofvHZoNh8DvJ 👉 The Everything Coworking Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfZE25IKRGiNG_v8lEhiJRnqUmnREmeHN 🎬 WATCH MY OTHER VIDEOS: 👉 Meagan Slavin, COO of 25N Coworking on Management Agreements and Leadership https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFfSSAxiycs 👉 Shlomo Silber, Founder of Bond Collective, Dishes on His New Venture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XtQoj-dkuY 👉 Co-Warehousing Pioneer with Philip Freeman, CEO of Murphy’s Naturals and Founder of The Loading Dock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNEsl1I4jIU 👉 How Maryann Baldwin Drives Economic Development in a Town of 1,000 with Her Coworking Space https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGGf4cLy2fA 👉 From Bronx Roots to Coworking Success: Ramon Gonzalez's Journey with Thrive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hAq6FK5OX4 ============================= ✅ About Everything Coworking. Welcome to Everything Coworking! I help you launch and run profitable coworking spaces that fit your business and personal goals. Tune in for tips, advice, and insights on creating a successful coworking space. Learn from my weekly podcast, which features expert interviews and industry updates. Whether you're just starting or looking to improve your space, I've got you covered. 🔔 Hit subscribe now, and you won't miss expert tips, industry updates, engaging podcasts, and expert interviews on launching and running a profitable coworking space! https://www.youtube.com/@everythingcoworking/?sub_confirmation=1 ================================= #coworking #office #podcast #community #coworkingspace #vision #flex #insight #revenue ⚠️ Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Everything Coworking. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube channel is provided. © Everything Coworking