What began as a search for relaxation has turned into a new business venture for seasoned franchisees Jason and Irene Brown. Owners of 10 Jersey Mike’s Subs locations in Denver, the Browns were looking to unwind at their vacation home near Siesta Key Beach. But when they attempted to book a massage using their Elements Massage membership, they found the local studio fully booked—a clear signal of unmet demand.
Driven by their entrepreneurial instincts and a love for the Elements brand, the Browns saw an opportunity. On August 24, in partnership with Irene’s sister, Espie Torres, they opened a new Elements Massage studio at the Shoppes at University Town Center in Sarasota, Florida.
“There’s something transformative about walking into an Elements studio,” Jason said. “Even when the work is stressful, the serene environment just melts the tension away.”
This is a revival for the brand in the plaza—an earlier location had closed when the previous owner retired. The Browns worked closely with Benderson Development to secure a prime spot across from the former location. They’re also preparing to open a second studio in a nearby Benderson plaza on Cortez Road in Bradenton.
“Benderson goes above and beyond with their properties,” Jason added. “From landscaping to holiday décor, they genuinely care about the customer experience—and that aligned perfectly with our vision.”
The Browns have been loyal Elements members for more than seven years. As clients, they appreciated the spa-like ambiance, customizable massage services, and ease of online booking. Membership perks—like flexible scheduling, session rollover, and nationwide access to 250+ studios—made the decision to invest an easy one.
Operations for the new Sarasota location are overseen by Espie Torres, who lives in nearby Parrish. The 2,200-square-foot studio includes eight massage rooms and offers seven massage modalities, from Swedish to prenatal, as well as enhancements such as cupping therapy and herbal rituals.
Opening the studio wasn’t without challenges. Delays in local permitting extended their timeline by several months, but anticipation never waned. Once the Elements sign went up, former members from the area quickly reached out, eager to return.
With this new venture, the Browns have turned a personal passion into a professional milestone—bringing wellness and relief to a community they now call home.
Story adapted from original reporting by Lesley Dwyer for the East County Observer.
