Diesel Barbershop is a fast-growing men’s grooming franchise designed to recreate the classic neighborhood barbershop experience with a modern twist. The brand combines barbering, hair care, and grooming services in a high-energy “man cave” environment featuring music, entertainment and modern design. With more than 30 locations across the United States, Diesel Barbershop offers franchise investors the opportunity to enter the expanding men’s grooming sector with a scalable retail service model.

1. What Is the Brand Overview for Diesel Barbershop?

About the Brand

Diesel Barbershop got its start in 2011 in San Antonio, Texas. The brand opened the first shop there, aiming to give the traditional barbershop a modern makeover. Then, in 2017, the team decided to share the concept and launched the franchise system through Diesel Barbershop Franchising, LLC, which is also based in San Antonio.

Franchisees operate retail barbershops offering haircutting, beard trimming, coloring and other grooming services delivered by licensed barbers and stylists within a proprietary operating system and brand environment.

Mission: To deliver a high-quality men’s grooming experience that combines classic barbershop culture with modern style, comfort and service.

Vision: To become the go-to destination for men seeking premium haircuts and grooming in a welcoming, entertainment-driven environment.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

  • “Man cave” barbershop atmosphere: Sports, music and entertainment create a comfortable environment tailored to male customers.
  • Premium grooming services: Haircuts, beard trims, color services and grooming products in a professional setting.
  • Modern retail design: Shops feature curated décor, digital displays and entertainment.
  • Barbershop nostalgia with modern execution: The concept blends traditional barbershop culture with contemporary retail aesthetics.
  • Product retail component: Locations also sell grooming products and merchandise.

2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?

Why Franchise With Diesel Barbershop?

When you become a franchisee, you gain access to a complete roadmap for launching and growing a successful grooming business. The brand has already done the heavy lifting, providing a proven concept with modern branding. You'll get hands-on support with everything from picking the perfect spot and reviewing the lease to an exclusive operating system and comprehensive training to get you started. 

Available Territories

Diesel Barbershop has availability in most states. See specific available territories at the brand’s website here.

Investment Overview

Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Diesel Barbershop franchise ranges from $360,550 to $503,050. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:

Type of Expenditure

Min

Max

Initial Franchise Fee

$45,000

$45,000

Technology Fees (11 Months)

$3,300

$3,300

Architectural Fees

$8,500

$10,000

Leasehold Improvements

$129,000

$214,000

Deposits, Insurance, Rent

$8,000

$10,000

Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures & Signage

$95,000

$125,000

Computer System & AV Package

$20,000

$37,000

POS System (3 Months)

$750

$750

Initial Barber Supplies & Inventory

$16,000

$21,000

Initial Marketing Spend

$5,000

$5,000

Legal Fees

$3,000

$3,000

Training Travel Expenses

$2,000

$4,000

Additional Funds (3 Months)

$25,000

$25,000

Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee for a Diesel Barbershop location is $45,000, due upon signing the franchise agreement.

Diesel Barbershop participates in the VetFran program, offering a 10% discount on the initial franchise fee for qualified military veterans.

Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, Diesel Barbershop franchisees are responsible for the following recurring costs and fees:

Type of FeeAmount
Royalty Fee7.5% of gross sales/week
Brand Development Fund1% of gross sales/week
Technology Fee$300/month
POS System Fee$250/month plus SMS fees
Bookkeeping Service$275/month

ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the 26 Diesel Barbershop locations operating for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following gross revenue:

Tertile

Average

Median

High

Low

Top 1/3 (9)

$697,234

$604,644

$1,132,157

$547,115

Middle 1/3 (9)

$336,186

$328,929

$475,858

$284,501

Bottom 1/3 (8)

$209,263

$207,153

$272,330

$149,254

3. What Franchisee Support Does Diesel Barbershop Provide?

Pre-Opening Support

Before opening a location, Diesel Barbershop provides:

  • Site selection guidance and approval
  • Lease review and territory designation
  • Store layout and architectural specifications
  • Supplier and equipment guidance
  • Access to operations manuals
  • Initial training program for franchise owners

Training Programs

Franchisees participate in an initial training program covering:

  • Operational procedures
  • Customer service standards
  • POS systems and technology
  • Staffing and hiring best practices
  • Marketing and promotional programs

Additional training and refresher sessions may also be provided after opening.

Operational Support

Ongoing support may include:

  • Marketing and advertising guidance
  • Consultation on shop management
  • operational assistance from corporate or area representatives
  • system standards and updates through manuals and digital platforms
  • brand promotions and loyalty programs

Technology and Tools

Franchise owners get access to a standard set of tech tools, like:

  • A POS system that comes with built-in reporting
  • Online marketing and advertising help
  • Intranet/extranet systems for internal use
  • Programs for customer loyalty and gift cards
  • Digital handbooks and communication platforms for operations

4. What Are the Franchisee Requirements for Diesel Barbershop?

Eligibility Criteria

Diesel Barbershop does not specify any franchisee requirements with regard to liquid assets or net worth.

Hair care experience is not required. Instead, the franchisor is looking for owners with management and leadership experience who are prepared to follow the Diesel operation system.

Operational Commitments

Owners usually set up shop in 1,200 to 1,500 square-foot spaces within busy shopping centers. You'll need to hire licensed barbers or stylists, keep the place looking sharp according to brand rules, handle the team's scheduling, make sure customers have a great experience, and manage local advertising. If you find a top-notch manager, you might be able to run things semi-absentee.

Funding Assistance

Diesel Barbershop does not provide direct financing for franchisees. Investors typically secure funding through banks, SBA loans or third-party lenders.

5. Are There Franchisee Success Stories?

"My brother and I set out to locate a franchise model that we felt comfortable investing in as a way out of corporate America. We explored 3 options and after taking the first call with each franchisor, I immediately felt comfortable and was drawn toward Diesel Barbershop. I cannot say that about any other franchise opportunities I've reviewed. Of course, the financials looked solid, but it wasn't just a great business model that made me want to invest in Diesel Barbershop. What led me to buy a Diesel Barbershop was the culture, support, and passion of the people around it. It was clear from the start that this was a Team who has significant franchise experience and who are extremely passionate about the industry and what they do. The Diesel Team has thought of every aspect of how to make the process of buying and opening a franchise easy. The level of support is incomparable and I couldn't be happier with our decision." 

- Garrett Watkins, Franchisee — Richardson, Texas

"I spent several months shopping dozens of franchise concepts seeking a brand that met the criteria of both my "head" and my "heart". My "head" was looking for a smart, scalable business that had uncapped income potential. I was drawn to Diesel because it was differentiated without being too niche and was part of a category that I knew would hold up well regardless of macroeconomic factors. Whether in a boom or bust economy, guys always need haircuts! I was also really impressed by the financials of the business. With a relatively small footprint that minimizes fixed costs, I believe that Diesel allows for a speed to profitability that I just didn't find with any other businesses."

Eric Bauer, Multi-Unit Franchisee — North Florida

"I'm very happy with the level of support that I have received, the culture, and brand is great. It has allowed me to put my thumbprint on this area and you know which is super exciting for me. I really enjoy that kind of stuff." 

Bo Maness, Franchisee — Charleston, South Carolina

6. What Is the Market Potential for the Men’s Grooming Industry?

The U.S. barbershop industry continues to grow steadily as male grooming habits evolve. Industry revenue is projected to reach $4.8 billion in 2026.

Competitor Analysis

Diesel Barbershop competes with both independent barbershops and national grooming chains. Diesel differentiates itself through experiential “man cave” shop design, premium grooming services, strong brand identity and retail product sales and multi-unit growth opportunities for franchisees.

Primary competitors include Great ClipsSupercutsSport Clips* and Floyd’s 99 Barbershop.

7. What Is the Application Process for Diesel Barbershop Franchisees?

The typical process includes:

  1. Initial Inquiry: Prospective franchisees begin by submitting their information through the brand’s franchise website. This gives the development team a starting point for understanding the candidate’s interest, background and target market.
  2. Introductory Call: Candidates then connect with the franchise development team for an initial conversation about the business model, investment range and what the brand looks for in an owner. It is also a chance for both sides to determine whether there is a potential fit.
  3. Qualification Review: At this stage, the brand evaluates the candidate’s financial qualifications, professional background and overall readiness for franchise ownership. This helps ensure candidates meet the requirements needed to move through the process and operate the business successfully.
  4. FDD Review: Qualified candidates receive the Franchise Disclosure Document for review. This document outlines important information about the franchise system, including fees, obligations and the legal framework of the opportunity.
  5. Discovery Day: Discovery Day gives candidates a closer look at the brand through meetings with leadership and deeper conversations about operations, support and culture. It is designed to help both the franchisor and the candidate evaluate long-term alignment.
  6. Franchise Agreement Signing: Once both parties are ready to move forward, the franchise agreement is signed and the territory is secured. This marks the formal commitment to joining the system and moving into the opening process.
  7. Site Selection and Training: After signing, franchisees work with the brand to identify and approve a location that fits the concept’s needs and market strategy. They also begin training and onboarding to prepare for daily operations, brand standards and launch requirements.
  8. Buildout and Opening: In the final phase, the location is built out and prepared for launch with support from the franchisor. Once construction, setup and pre-opening steps are complete, the business officially opens to customers.

The timeline from inquiry to opening typically ranges 6 to 12 months depending on site development and construction.

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Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. 

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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Luca Piacentini

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Luca Piacentini

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1851 Managing Editor