Knockouts: Redefining Men’s Grooming with a Knockout Experience

Knockouts Haircuts & Grooming is a dynamic franchise specializing in men’s grooming, blending classic barber techniques with the sophistication of modern salon care. Launched in 2002 by Thomas and Karin Friday, the brand opened its inaugural location in Addison, Texas, in 2003 and has since cultivated a strong national presence.

With its headquarters based in Irving, Texas, Knockouts entered the franchise space in 2004 and has grown to include 55 locations nationwide. The brand caters specifically to men, offering an array of services such as precision haircuts, beard trims, and relaxing massage treatments.

One of the brand’s most distinctive features is its themed environment inspired by boxing and MMA culture. The salons boast unique décor, including elements like faux boxing ring ropes, exposed brick walls, and an array of sports memorabilia. To complete the experience, every grooming station is outfitted with a flat-screen TV, creating a space that feels as entertaining as it is relaxing.

Training

Knockouts Holdings, LLC provides a structured and multi-layered training program for its franchisees to ensure operational success and adherence to brand standards. The training is divided into core programs designed to educate franchisees, managers, and staff on key aspects of operating a Knockouts salon.

1. Initial Training Program
   The initial training is mandatory and spans three days, typically held in Fort Smith, Arkansas or another designated location. It includes classroom instruction on topics such as profit and loss review, employee compensation, salon maintenance, salon build-out, legal compliance, marketing, and operations. This training is complemented by 25 hours of on-the-job training at a salon facility.
2. Manager Training Requirement
   If the franchisee is not a licensed cosmetologist, they must appoint a manager who is licensed and has completed the Knockouts training program. Replacement managers must also attend the next available training session, with an additional fee of $1,500 per participant if they are not part of the initial group.
3. Additional and Remedial Training
   Knockouts offers periodic additional training sessions, which may be mandatory or voluntary and can be delivered in person, via video, online, or on-site. Franchisees may also request customized training, for which they would bear the cost, including travel and per diem fees. Furthermore, Knockouts hosts annual conventions that franchisees must attend, often involving additional training workshops.

Territory Protection

Knockouts Holdings, LLC provides a form of territory protection for its franchisees, but it is limited and subject to specific conditions. Upon signing the agreement, a franchisee is assigned a defined geographic area referred to as the “Territory.”

Within this Territory, Knockouts agrees not to authorize the establishment of another Knockouts salon, provided the franchisee remains in compliance with the franchise agreement. However, this protection does not extend to certain “Reserved Areas,” which include high-traffic venues such as airports, hospitals, hotels, and stadiums.

These areas are excluded from the territorial exclusivity, allowing the franchisor to operate or authorize others to operate in these spaces even within a franchisee’s general area. Additionally, Knockouts retains the right to open or allow similar businesses under different trademarks within the Territory, which limits the scope of competitive protection provided to franchisees.