Must an Itan franchisee designate a Managing Owner for their Salon?
Itan Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
8. MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING.
8.1. Owner Participation. You must designate an Owner with primary responsibility for the management and operation of your Salon (the "Managing Owner"). The Managing Owner must: (a) be approved by us; (b) successfully complete all training programs we require; (c) dedicate full-time efforts to the Salon; and (d) at all times own at least 20% of the Equity Interests in the Business or Franchisee Entity, unless we waive this requirement.
8.2. General Manager. You may hire a general manager to assist the Managing Owner with onsite management of the Salon. Any Person you hire as a general manager must: (a) be approved by us; (b) successfully complete all training programs we require (with our permission, the Managing Owner may train general managers you hire after opening); and (c) sign a Brand Protection Agreement. The Managing Owner must supervise the general manager to ensure the Salon is operated in accordance with this Agreement and the Manual. The Managing Owner and/or a general
manager must be present at your Salon at least 40 hours per week.
At any time during normal business hours that neither the Managing Owner nor a general manager is onsite, either the Managing Owner or a general manager must be readily accessible by telephone or email.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 44–190)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Itan's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must designate a Managing Owner for their salon. This individual holds primary responsibility for the salon's management and operation.
The Managing Owner must meet specific criteria, including approval by Itan, successful completion of all required training programs, full-time dedication to the salon, and ownership of at least 20% of the equity interests in the business or franchisee entity. Itan may waive the equity requirement in some cases.
In addition to a Managing Owner, franchisees have the option to hire a general manager to assist with on-site management. However, the Managing Owner is responsible for supervising the general manager to ensure compliance with the franchise agreement and the brand's operational manual. Either the Managing Owner or a general manager must be present at the salon for at least 40 hours per week, and if neither is on-site during business hours, they must be readily accessible by phone or email.