Specialties
Our singular mission is to help people lose weight in a sustainable way by helping them adopt a healthier lifestyle and a healthier relationship with food and activity.
Experience, Commitment, Support. That's what we're all about.
History
Established in 1964.
Started in Queens, New York, by its dynamic founder Jean Nidetch, Weight Watchers began to spread out among various areas in New York. The company became well known throughout the city and Nidetch decided to start franchising. Marilyn and Bob Birnhak were among the first owners, buying Weight Watchers of Philadelphia, Inc.--serving Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southwestern New Jersey.
Marilyn and Bob Birnhak have been successful in the growth of Weight Watchers of Philadelphia since their first meeting in September of 1964. From starting with two meetings and eight members in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, today this thriving weight loss firm has members attending over 550 meetings in over 100 individual locations throughout 11 counties--8 in PA and 3 in NJ.
According to Marilyn, "The focus is always on our members; it's the member that matters."
Meet the Business Owner: Marilyn B.
After hearing about Weight Watchers, Marilyn and Bob Birnhak attended a weight loss lecture in New York, conducted by Jean Nidetch, the founder of Weight Watchers International.
Both Marilyn and Bob achieved weight loss success and became Lifetime Members. Because of the company's rapid growth, Nidetch asked Marilyn to become a Lecturer and she accepted.
Marilyn gave her first lecture on February 20, 1964, her wedding anniversary. During that time, she found out Weight Watchers International was going to begin franchising. She went home and asked Bob, who was an attorney, "What's a franchise?" After he carefully explained it, she said, "Good, I want one." The rest, as they say, is history!
Marilyn selected the Philadelphia market because she always considered it home. Today she continues to be a very active president of one of the largest Weight Watchers franchises in the country.
The Birnhaks are marking their 51st year as the owners of Weight Watchers of Philadelphia.