The Original Barber

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The Original Barber is a Czech men’s grooming brand established in Prague in 2017. Over the past years, it has built one of the largest barber networks in Central Europe, now operating more than sixty locations across the Czech Republic. The concept includes traditional full-service barbershops, smaller “Original Barber Point” outlets in shopping centres, as well as branded product lines under the “Monsieur” label. The company also runs its own Barber Academy in Brno, which trains both employees and franchise partners to maintain consistent quality across the chain.

Franchise model and investment

Entrepreneurs can enter the system through three levels of investment – Silver, Gold and Platinum. The Silver model requires a minimum investment of around CZK 250,000 (approximately EUR 10,000–12,000). The Gold package requires about CZK 500,000, while the Platinum level can reach CZK 1,000,000. In addition to the initial investment, franchisees are obliged to pay a monthly franchise fee that depends on the size of the salon. A location with up to two chairs pays CZK 15,000 per month, while larger shops with three to five chairs pay around CZK 20,000 per month. At the moment of signing the agreement, the franchisor also requires a deposit equal to three months of franchise fees. These amounts position The Original Barber in the mid-market segment of grooming franchises, accessible to smaller investors but still demanding professional management.

Support and operations

The franchisor offers comprehensive support during the start-up phase. This includes analysis and approval of the location, assistance with interior design and branding, recruitment and training of staff, and marketing activities before and during the opening. Training is delivered at the Barber Academy, which ensures that all staff members understand the technical and service standards of the brand. After launch, the franchisor provides continuous operational advice, quality control, updates to service standards and shared marketing campaigns. Franchisees are responsible for day-to-day management, compliance with brand standards, staff supervision, financial reporting and customer service.

Revenue potential and expansion

Exact turnover figures are not publicly disclosed, but industry observers indicate that well-located barber shops with three to five chairs in the Czech Republic can generate monthly revenues in the range of several hundred thousand Czech crowns. With fixed fees between 15,000 and 20,000 CZK per month plus operating costs, profitability depends on location, rent, staff salaries and local demand. The franchisor promotes the business as capable of achieving break-even in twelve to twenty-four months. Looking forward, The Original Barber plans to strengthen its position in the Czech market while exploring opportunities in neighbouring countries such as Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Expansion into Poland has not yet been officially confirmed, but given the scale of the Polish men’s grooming sector, the market represents a logical step in the brand’s long-term strategy.

Author

Marian Bomba

Journalist