Nacco Industries: Stretch Zone Opens New Wellness Studio in Raleigh
- Stretch Zone opens its 398th location in Raleigh, enhancing community wellness through personalized stretching programs.
- Owner Rich Antoine, a former athlete, emphasizes the transformative benefits of stretching for overall well-being.
- The studio offers tailored plans and is the only nationally accredited stretch franchise in the wellness industry.

Stretch Zone Expands Wellness Offerings with New Raleigh Location
Stretch Zone, a leading franchise in the assisted-stretching sector, proudly inaugurates its 398th location in Raleigh, North Carolina. Under the guidance of first-time owner Rich Antoine, a former college athlete, the new studio aims to enhance community wellness through customized stretching programs. Antoine emphasizes the transformative power of stretching, which he has personally experienced throughout his wellness journey. He is committed to helping others improve their movement and overall well-being, reflecting the franchise’s mission to promote health and flexibility.
The Raleigh studio is strategically located in Seaboard Station, an area known for its focus on wellness and its diverse mix of residents and students. Antoine is joined by business partner Jamal Hamid, a Certified Personal Trainer with nearly three decades of experience in fitness and rehabilitation. Hamid’s expertise complements the studio’s offerings, ensuring that clients receive tailored stretching plans that cater to their specific needs. Stretch Zone stands out as the only nationally accredited stretch franchise, employing a science-backed approach to mobility improvement which positions it uniquely in the wellness industry.
With its operational hours from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 8 pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm, Stretch Zone provides various membership options to fit different lifestyles and budgets. The new studio not only seeks to improve the flexibility and mobility of its clients but also aims to contribute positively to the health and activity levels of the local community. By being conveniently located near local businesses and educational institutions, including Bad Daddy's Burger Bar and William Peace University, Stretch Zone is poised to become a hub for wellness in Raleigh.
Circular Services Partners with Mecklenburg County for Enhanced Recycling Efforts
In related news, Circular Services has been selected as the recycling processing partner for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. This collaboration, which begins in June 2025, aims to modernize the county’s recycling infrastructure and improve material recovery. Circular Services will initially manage the county's Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Pence Road, processing residential single-stream recyclable materials while renovations at the Metrolina MRF are undertaken.
This partnership reflects a growing commitment to sustainability within the region, as Circular Services plans to repurpose the Pence Road facility for construction and demolition (C&D) recycling after the Metrolina MRF upgrade is completed. The initiative aligns with Mecklenburg County’s investment in environmental stewardship, aiming to enhance local recycling capabilities and foster a circular economy.