Retro Fitness has appointed Andrew Alfano – a former senior vice president at coffee house giant Starbucks – as its chief executive.

Alfano joins the low-cost fitness franchisor in the midst of the company's ambitious expansion push. The chain currently has more than 150 gyms open or under development across the US and has previously announced a target of having 250 sites by the end of 2019.

Alfano, who at Starbucks led major markets and was credited with achieving record growth and revenue, will be "instrumental" in building up Retro's operations.

"I love to build brands," Alfano said.

"Retro Fitness has all the characteristics of what I love – a compelling value proposition, strong franchisee base and a brand following with consumers ripe for growth and expansion.

"By offering members everything they love about a big box gym and bundling it with personalised group classes, niche workout experiences and personal training, Retro Fitness has great potential for its next phase of growth."

Founded by Casaburi in 2004, Retro Fitness has evolved from a regional Northeast gym concept into a national fitness system with gyms open in 16 states.

Retro gym floors feature circuit and weight training equipment and CV machines equipped with personal flat-screen TVs. It also offers individual and group training options, functional training areas and signature "Retro Blends Smoothie Bar".