Franchise Deep Dive: Sola Salon's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

The turnkey salon brand started franchising just one year after opening and is now a worldwide sensation.

By Savannah BilboStaff Writer

2:14PM • 04/14/23

LAST UPDATED: 3/2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: solafranchising.com

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 600+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $808,000–$2,100,000

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $107,815–$980,328

Founders Stratton Smith and Matt Briger wanted to create a space where beauty professionals could have a life and career they loved. Shortly after opening the first salon in 2004, the founders started franchising in 2005.

“I was inspired by their vision of Sola,” said Kim Bennett, Denver-based stylist and the first Sola Salon franchisee. “They didn't want to sell me anything or compete with my business. Everything was all my choice! So I signed up right then.”

Sola Salon franchisees will receive unparalleled support from the beginning. The company believes that you are in business for yourself but not by yourself. Sola support provides assistance with site selection, preferred contractors and more.

How Many Locations Are There?

Sola Salon has 600-plus locations in the United States, Canada and Brazil. With those 600-plus locations, there are over 18,000 independent salon professionals working for them. There are currently 50 locations in development. You can fill out a form to learn more about franchising with Sola and its available territories.

What Is The Sola Salon Business Model?

Sola Salon is a turnkey salon rental service. Once a location is built, beauty professionals will be able to move into the space and run their business out of their studio. According to Sola’s 2020 franchise brochure, Sola Salons are typically 4,500–6,000 square feet with 25–35 fully equipped upscale studios able to fit inside.

Franchisees can be single-unit owners or multi-unit owners. You can purchase the rights to develop three, six or 12 locations.

How Much Can Sola Salon Franchise Owners Make?

Sola franchisees can earn a range from $107,815–$980,328, according to item 19 of the 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). The amount owners can make has steadily increased since 2019.

2019: $27,449–$949,323
2020: $53,450–$643,798.50
2021: $107,815–$980,328

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Sola Salon?

The initial investment for a Sola Salon is $808,143–$2,134,517. Previous franchise ownership is a plus but not required. There is no beauty industry experience needed.

Initial Franchise Fee: $55,000
Initial Investment: $808,143–$2,134,517
Net Worth Requirement: $1,500,000
Cash Requirement: $500,000
Royalty Fee: 5.5%
Ad Royalty Fee: 2%
Term of Agreement: 10 years
Is the franchise term renewable?: Yes

What Is the Franchise Fee for Sola Salon?

The franchise fee is generally 55,000, according to the 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). The fee can increase if franchisees are looking to develop multi-unit locations. A breakdown of the fee per location is below:

2 locations: $75,000
3 locations: $100,000
6 locations: $175,000
12 locations: $275,000

Who Are the Leaders of Sola Salon?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Sola Salon?

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