Must the Itan Managing Owner be approved by the franchisor?
Itan Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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, the Managing Owner, who has primary responsibility for managing the Salon, must be approved by Itan. The Managing Owner must also successfully complete all required training programs and dedicate full-time efforts to the Salon. Additionally, the Managing Owner must own at least 20% of the equity interests in the business or franchisee entity, although Itan may waive this requirement.
Itan also requires approval of any general manager hired to assist the Managing Owner. The general manager must complete all training programs and 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 manual. Either the Managing Owner or a general manager must be present at the Salon for at least 40 hours per week.
If neither the Managing Owner nor a general manager is onsite during business hours, one of them must be readily accessible by phone or email. These requirements ensure that Itan maintains a certain level of control over the management and operation of each franchise location, helping to protect the brand and maintain consistency across all locations.