The new franchise venture is spearheaded by business partners Hari and Meet Patel. After pivoting from corporate careers in finance and banking to multi-unit franchising in 2022, the pair has built a diverse portfolio including seven Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations and a Spitz Mediterranean restaurant. This project represents their inaugural entry into the medical aesthetics sector.

Ryan Rao, Chief Development Officer at VIO Med Spa, highlighted the decision to prioritize Richmond due to its demographic trends and consumer demand. The brand, which recently secured its third consecutive year as the top-ranked med spa franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500, reported a $1.3 million average unit volume for 2025. With over 175 territories now in development or operation across 20 states, the company is leveraging its physician-led model to attract operators from the hospitality and service-driven industries.