Must a general manager hired for an Itan salon be approved by Itan?
Itan Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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, if a franchisee chooses to hire a general manager to assist with the salon's operation, that general manager must be approved by Itan. The general manager is also required to successfully complete all training programs that Itan requires. However, with Itan's permission, the Managing Owner may train general managers hired after the salon opens. Additionally, the general manager must sign a Brand Protection Agreement.
The Managing Owner is responsible for supervising the general manager to ensure the salon operates according to the franchise agreement and the operations manual. Either the Managing Owner or the general manager must be present at the Itan salon for at least 40 hours each week. When neither the Managing Owner nor the general manager is onsite during normal business hours, one of them must be readily accessible by phone or email.
This requirement ensures that all individuals in key management positions within the Itan franchise system meet Itan's standards and are adequately trained to uphold brand consistency and operational efficiency. For a prospective franchisee, this means that hiring a general manager involves an additional step of seeking approval from Itan and ensuring the candidate is willing to undergo the necessary training and sign the Brand Protection Agreement. This also highlights the importance of the Managing Owner's role in overseeing the general manager and maintaining consistent communication with them.