When Matt Hess opened Another Nine’s first franchise location in Cornelius, North Carolina, the moment represented more than a new indoor golf facility in the Lake Norman area. It marked the next stage for a young franchise brand that has quickly moved from early sales momentum into unit growth.
Another Nine, a 24/7 self-service indoor golf concept powered by proprietary A9OS technology and Trackman gameplay, has surpassed 75 franchise territories sold in its inaugural year of franchising. The Cornelius opening gives the brand its first franchised location and an important foothold in one of North Carolina’s most active suburban markets. For Hess, Another Nine’s first franchise owner, the facility is also the first of five locations he plans to open across the greater Charlotte area.
The broader Charlotte market has become an early proof point for the brand’s expansion strategy. Another Nine has 12 locations planned throughout the metro, making Charlotte the first fully sold-out region in its franchise network. That level of development reflects the company’s goal of building market density with local operators who understand their communities and can grow alongside the brand.
“Cornelius was the right place to begin because Lake Norman is home for me, and the community has been supportive from the start,” Hess said. “Another Nine makes it easy for people to play on their own schedule, whether they want to practice after the kids go to bed, get in a round before work, or step into a private suite between calls. The founders have built a smart model with strong technology and real support behind it. I am proud to open the first of my five locations here and help introduce Another Nine to the Charlotte market.”
The appeal of the model starts with flexibility. Each Another Nine facility features private Sim Suites available around the clock through the brand’s A9OS booking platform. Guests can reserve a suite by the hour, any time of day or night, and play Trackman-powered golf across more than 350 world-class courses without a membership requirement. The format is designed for serious golfers looking for practice time, casual players who want a convenient social activity, and small groups seeking a private entertainment experience.
For franchisees, the same technology-driven model is intended to create a streamlined operating structure. Another Nine locations do not include a bar or restaurant component, allowing owners to avoid some of the complexity that can come with food and beverage operations. A9OS supports booking, access and guest support, creating a leaner approach to operations while still delivering a premium guest experience.
That balance is central to the franchise story. Another Nine is not asking owners to operate a traditional golf facility, full-service restaurant or large entertainment venue. Instead, the brand is built around a focused guest promise: private, flexible simulator access supported by technology that can manage much of the customer journey from reservation to entry. For owners, that focus can make the model easier to understand, staff and scale.
The Cornelius opening also signals a shift in the company’s own evolution. Another Nine currently operates two corporate locations in Cincinnati’s Columbia-Tusculum and Montgomery neighborhoods. With the first franchised facility now open, the brand is focused on converting its early franchise traction into operating locations across targeted growth regions.
“The Cornelius opening is a defining moment for Another Nine because it shows what this model can become with the right franchise partner in the right market,” said Ethan Grob, Co-Founder of Another Nine. “Matt understands the guest experience, the Charlotte community and the growth opportunity ahead. As we enter this next stage, our priority is to support owners like Matt while expanding thoughtfully in markets where golfers are looking for premium, flexible access to the game.”
While Charlotte has emerged as the brand’s first sold-out region, Another Nine is also placing a particular priority on the Midwest and Northeast. The company sees opportunity in dense suburban markets where year-round golf demand, strong household demographics and access to multi-unit operators align with its membership-free, technology-driven model.
Hess’s five-location plan demonstrates how Another Nine can enter a market through an operator who is deeply connected to the region and committed to building local presence over time. For an emerging franchise brand, that kind of partnership can help create operational consistency, customer awareness and stronger market penetration.
The first franchise opening is also an important validation point for prospective owners. Franchise growth is often measured in territories sold, but open and operating locations show how a concept performs in the real world. In Cornelius, Another Nine now has a working example of its self-service model, technology platform and customer experience outside its corporate base.
As the brand moves ahead, the Cornelius location stands as the first step in a larger national growth story. Backed by proprietary technology, Trackman gameplay and a streamlined operating model, Another Nine is positioning itself as a scalable franchise concept for entrepreneurs looking to enter the growing intersection of sports, technology and experiential entertainment.
For more information about franchising with Another Nine, visit anothernine.com/pages/franchise.