VIO Med Spa, a nationally recognized, physician-guided medical spa franchise specializing in advanced, non-invasive aesthetic and wellness treatments, is entering Arizona with two signed franchise agreements in the Phoenix metro area. Its first Arizona location, marking the brand’s 21st state, will open Nov. 11, 2026, at The Switchyard development in Queen Creek, which brings together luxury multifamily units, premier dining and vibrant retail spaces, followed by a planned Scottsdale opening in 2027.
The expansion is led by two husband-and-wife teams whose backgrounds span healthcare leadership, franchise ownership, consulting and medical billing. Together, the agreements bring VIO into a priority development market with owners combining business experience and local connections.
“Our ambition in Arizona goes well beyond these first two locations,” said Ryan Rao, Chief Development Officer at VIO Med Spa. “We see the Phoenix metro area as a market where we can build a substantial presence, and that starts with owners who know how to build and lead businesses. These owners bring that experience. Our role is to pair it with the clinical infrastructure and operational support that give them the confidence to enter a new industry and grow.”
The Arizona expansion comes on the heels of VIO’s debut at No. 373 on the 2026 Franchise Times Top 400 and its strongest franchise development performance to date, with 19 new franchise owners signed during the first nine months of 2026.
VIO Med Spa in Queen Creek is owned by Cynthia and Jeff Ballantyne, who bring complementary experience in executive leadership, business growth and franchise ownership. Cynthia previously served as West Region Managing Director for Alera Group, overseeing a region with $215 million in revenue and 700 employees. She continues her independent consulting practice in the employee benefits and risk management industry, helping firms strengthen operations, develop leadership teams and execute growth strategies. Jeff brings more than 30 years of franchise ownership experience, adding a seasoned operator’s perspective to the couple’s newest business venture.
A dedicated local team, including a spa manager, nurse practitioner injectors and estheticians, will lead day-to-day operations and guest care. Cynthia and Jeff will provide strategic direction and ownership oversight, with this team-led operating structure allowing Cynthia to maintain her consulting commitments. Located at The Switchyard, VIO Med Spa will join a growing mix of restaurant, retail and fitness concepts in Queen Creek.
“Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building strong teams, improving the client experience and helping businesses grow,” said Cynthia Ballantyne. “With Jeff’s more than 30 years of franchise ownership experience and my executive leadership background, we understand the value of putting the right people and systems in place. We’ve built a dedicated local team to lead daily operations, supported by VIO’s training, clinical infrastructure, and operational resources. We’re excited to bring personalized care and a welcoming guest experience to Queen Creek.”
Leading VIO’s Scottsdale development is another husband-and-wife team, William Grambley and Katherine Barton. Grambley, a Navy veteran, brings nearly two decades of healthcare leadership, including more than 10 years at CVS Health, and most recently served as CEO of healthcare AI company AllazoHealth through its 2025 acquisition by AssistRx.
Barton, who was born and raised in Scottsdale, has more than 20 years of experience in medical billing and coding and real estate. As longtime med spa guests, the couple identified an opportunity to combine their professional experience with a personal understanding of the guest journey.
“After leading a startup company, I know how much time and effort goes into developing the infrastructure behind a business,” said William Grambley. “With VIO, we can put our experience to work within an established franchise system and focus our energy on building the Scottsdale business. Katherine’s local roots and our combined healthcare and business backgrounds give us a strong starting point as owners.”
VIO’s entry into Arizona adds to a wave of development across new and existing markets, including a three-unit agreement in greater Charleston, South Carolina; its first New York City agreement in Queens; and a planned Richmond-area location in Midlothian, Virginia. In Texas, a new franchise owner acquired two Dallas-area locations and signed an agreement for a future location in Prosper. The Queen Creek and Scottsdale developments advance that strategy by establishing a presence in the Phoenix metro area with room for continued expansion.
Alongside its growing footprint, VIO has introduced a next-generation store design and ClubVIO membership model to strengthen the franchise opportunity. The new design combines a hospitality-inspired environment with a smaller footprint and streamlined investment model designed to lower development costs. ClubVIO supports recurring revenue through repeat visits and ongoing guest relationships.
Built on established clinical protocols and medical oversight, VIO Med Spa delivers a range of medical-grade aesthetic and wellness services, including injectables, skin rejuvenation, laser treatments, and facials, which are designed to prioritize safety, consistency, and results.
Named the #1 Med Spa Franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® for a third straight year in 2026, VIO Med Spa is attracting experienced and new operators drawn to the brand’s strong unit-level performance. VIO Med Spa’s Franchise Disclosure Document reports a $1.3M AUV for all operating locations throughout 2025, along with a $2.3M top-quartile system average*.
