Chop Barbershop Franchise Cost, Profit, and Investment in 2025

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $225,000 (average annual net profit for locations open 5+ years)

CHOP Barbershop combines old-school charm with modern convenience to create a unique neighborhood gathering spot. With a design that evokes a vintage pub, complete with hand-picked antiques, retro games and a carefully curated playlist, each shop offers more than just a haircut; it provides an experience that brings families and communities together.

CHOP Barbershop got its start in 2015 in Tallahassee, Florida, thanks to husband-and-wife team Steve and Sarah Bolinder. Steve had been a barber for more than 30 years and wanted to build a place that felt more like a neighborhood hangout than a cookie-cutter chain. Sarah, a lawyer with a knack for tech, brought in modern tools to streamline the booking and day-to-day operations. Together, they created a barbershop that blends old-school charm with a modern touch, a welcoming space where people can feel at home.

Mission: To build a network of barbershops that serve as warm, engaging community hubs — a place where every haircut is an opportunity to connect and where each visit feels personal.

Vision: To expand nationally with a franchise model that preserves the local, family-run feel of each shop while offering modern conveniences and robust business support.

• A pub-like atmosphere with retro decor, classic arcade games and free beverages (beer for adults, soda for kids)

• Seamless online booking and app-based scheduling that make appointments quick and easy

• A welcoming environment designed for all ages, ensuring the whole family can enjoy the CHOP experience

• An aesthetic that marries vintage style with modern efficiency, creating a memorable destination for customers

Franchisees with CHOP enjoy several key benefits. The brand keeps initial build-out costs low by leveraging existing spaces wherever possible, and it even handles the complete shop installation. There’s no need to have a barbering background; CHOP provides all the training necessary to manage the business successfully. With a turnaround time of just four to six months from signing to opening, new owners can start earning quickly while tapping into a proven, community-focused business model.

Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Chop Barbershop franchise ranges from $167,600 - $321,100. The most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:

Initial Franchise Fee: The standard initial franchise fee for a CHOP Barbershop location is $49,500, but current CHOP employees and licensed industry professionals may be eligible for a scholarship of up to $15,000.

Ongoing Fees: Chop Barbershop franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:

ROI Potential: Chop Barbershop reports the following earnings on its franchise website:

From day one, CHOP offers a hands-on training program that includes both off-site sessions and in-store coaching. The goal is to help franchisees learn every aspect of running a successful barbershop, from managing staff and operations to delivering outstanding customer service.

Franchisees benefit from full support in several areas: site selection assistance, assistance with buildout and design, hiring guidance, marketing strategies and ongoing operational support. The brand’s dedicated team works closely with owners to ensure each shop meets CHOP’s high standards.

Owners have access to an interactive online hub (eHub) that provides detailed operational guides, marketing materials and vendor contacts. CHOP also partners with top service providers to streamline everything from POS systems to payroll, ensuring franchisees can run their business efficiently.

• Liquid Capital: $50,000

• Net Worth: $500,000

While previous experience in the beauty or salon industry isn’t required, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills are essential.

CHOP Barbershop supports a model that can work for both hands-on and semi-absentee owners. Typically, owners invest around 10-15 hours per week overseeing operations, with a reliable management team handling day-to-day tasks.

CHOP assists potential owners in exploring financing options. The brand partners with financial institutions and provides guidance on SBA and bank loans, making it easier to secure the funds required to launch a franchise.

“Starting a CHOP Barbershop franchise has been an exciting and rewarding journey. From the start, we had all the information and materials we needed from design, buildout and initial marketing. Our community was instantly attracted to the CHOP brand and potential staff candidates found CHOP values, compensation and benefits very attractive. We’ve had great success in our first year and we continue to grow positively. CHOP franchises are clear, fair and a great opportunity to connect and enrich your local community.”

• Toby and Elise McCall, Holly Springs, NC

“I am so pleased to be a part of the CHOP family! Not only is the brand unique, solid and profitable, but the CHOP franchise team are some of the most hard working, creative and warm-hearted people I have ever had the pleasure of working beside.”

• Julie Todd, Multi-Unit Owner

The U.S. barber shop industry was valued at approximately $5.8 billion in 2024 and has seen steady revenue growth, averaging 2.7% annually with a 1.7% CAGR over the past five years. In recent years, the sector has accelerated, posting 6.5% annual growth over the last three years.

While brands like Floyd’s 99, Sport Clips* and Great Clips dominate the space, CHOP’s distinctive community feel and the “pub-like” ambiance set it apart. Its focus on a warm, inviting customer experience and flexible ownership options create a competitive edge in a crowded market.

1. Initial Inquiry: Fill out the initial contact form on CHOP’s franchise website to get started.

2. Prequalification: Schedule an introductory call to discuss your background and the market where you wish to open a shop.

3. Unit Metrics Review: Attend a webinar where current financial performance, operational details and benchmarks are shared to help you understand the business model.

4. Disclosure Review: Review the FDD together with the CHOP team. This session explains territory rights, training, support and legal details.

5. Preapproval: Provide proof of funding. For those seeking a bank or SBA loan, present your pre-approval; self-funders will complete an application to verify financials.

6. Discovery Day: Visit an existing CHOP Barbershop location. Meet the team, tour the shop and discuss your specific territory. This step is both informative and a chance to see the brand in action.

7. Finalization: Once everything is in order, sign the franchise agreement and begin your training and location setup.

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