Fantastic Sams
Fantastic Sams offers hair care services and products for men, women, and children through franchised salons. Known for its full range of haircare solutions, it operates in the competitive beauty salon industry.
About Fantastic Sams
Fantastic Sams Franchise Corp. is an American full-service haircare franchise in U.S. and Canada who pioneered the concept of a no-appointment, walk-in hair salon. With over 500 franchised locations, it was the first nationally franchised unisex salon chain in the U.S. and it is one of the largest salon chains in the U.S.
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Fantastic Sams franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Fantastic Sams franchise ranges from $162,500 to $453,000. This includes a mandatory payment of $35,000 to the franchisor [p.1]. If you sign a multi-unit development agreement for three Fantastic Sams salons, the total initial investment for the first salon is between $182,500 and $473,000, including a multi-unit development fee of $55,000 to the franchisor [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $35,000 for an individual Franchise Agreement [p.19]. If a MultiUnit Development Agreement is entered into, no initial franchise fee is required for subsequent Franchise Agreements under that agreement [p.19]. This fee is fully earned and non-refundable upon signing the Agreement [p.59].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
Ongoing royalties include a weekly royalty based on weekly franchise fees collected by Regional Owners and a monthly royalty based on a percentage of the average wholesale price for Fantastic Sams branded hair care products purchased by Franchisees [p.179, p.160]. Additionally, franchisees contribute to national advertising through weekly national advertising fees, which are placed in a separate bank account owned by NAF and used for various marketing activities aimed at promoting the brand system-wide [p.29-30].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial franchise agreement's duration isn't specified in the excerpts, but if you wish to renew it after the initial term ends, you may request a renewal for one additional period of either five or ten years, provided you meet certain conditions as outlined [p.80].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, the franchisor can refuse to permit a transfer of ownership of a franchise except for good cause [p.5(g)]. However, the franchisor agrees to assist the franchisee in locating potential buyers and facilitating a transfer of the business under certain conditions [p.229]. Good cause for refusal includes but is not limited to unspecified factors.
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
According to [p.145], a franchisor can terminate the franchise agreement if it is done for good cause, which includes the failure of the franchisee to comply with any lawful provisions of the franchise agreement and failing to cure such failure after being given written notice and a reasonable opportunity to do so (no more than 30 days). [p.12] also mentions an instance where a franchise agreement was amended to include terms related to termination, though it does not specify additional grounds beyond good cause.
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD does not provide specific details on net worth or liquid capital requirements for franchisees to qualify. However, it does mention that if an entity is the franchisee, each owner must be a guarantor and satisfy financial qualifications, and spouses may be required as guarantors if necessary [p.37]. Additionally, there are estimates regarding initial investment and operating capital requirements that could provide some context, but precise financial requirements are not detailed [p.110].
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, outlets owned by the company, and other competitive brands controlled by them. However, after approval, a 'Protected Area' will be designated around your salon location, within which no additional Fantastic Sams Salons will be opened [p.34].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial training programs that include hairstyling techniques, sales training, and an in-depth discussion on the history, operation, and financial management aspects of the business [p.27]. Ongoing support includes additional training such as conventions, seminars, and meetings, though franchisees are responsible for related expenses [p.61].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of December 31, 2025, there were 484 franchised Salons in the United States [p.42]. However, this number does not include 28 Salons that were transferred and 11 Salons that opened in 2025, nor does it account for 28 Salons that closed in 2025. The excerpts do not specify how many of the 484 franchised Salons have been terminated or closed; it only mentions that 28 Salons closed in 2025 and were not included in the average monthly Gross Sales data [p.42].
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not make any financial performance representations other than the one provided in Item 19 of the FDD, and it does not authorize its employees or representatives to make such representations [p.43]. However, if you are purchasing an existing outlet, the franchisor may provide actual records of that outlet's performance [p.43].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted to selling only the services and products approved by the franchisor. Specifically, you must sell Fantastic Sams branded shampoos, conditioners, and related haircare products ('FS Branded Products') in your Salon and can only purchase these from distributors approved by the franchisor [p.21]. Additionally, you must buy all required products, supplies, materials, equipment, and services for operating the Salon from suppliers designated as approved suppliers by the franchisor or as otherwise specified in the Manuals [p.66].