Lunatic Fringe

Lunatic Fringe was founded in 1999 by salon professionals Shawn Trujillo and Angie Katsanevas. The brand began in a 700 square foot salon in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is headquartered at 445 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. Two years after opening, the founders moved into a space more than twice as large. Four years after launch, they opened a second Salt Lake City location. Lunatic Fringe now operates approximately nine to ten active salons in Utah, Idaho, Ohio, and Tennessee. The latest location, Lunatic Fringe Draper, opened in spring 2024 under franchisees Kati and Reuban. The franchise model was created for entrepreneurs who want established systems rather than an independent start up, while the founders remain involved in brand development and franchise support. The brand has won 8 North American Hairstyling Awards and has appeared in national and international publications. This page provides independent research for buyers assessing the opportunity.

Salon services are often viewed as recession resistant because consumers may reduce discretionary goods purchases before cutting professional grooming and personal care services. Lunatic Fringe operates in the premium salon segment, which benefits from consumer interest in experiences and trusted service relationships. After 2020, clients returning to premium salons showed higher retention rates than customers using discount or value tier providers. The salon market remains fragmented, with independent stylists and small owner operated shops making up most locations nationally. That structure gives a branded concept with documented training and consistent standards a distinct position. As of 2024, the U.S. had over 830,000 franchise establishments employing more than 8.8 million people and generating over $550 billion in GDP. Franchise employment grew 7.3% between 2021 and 2024, compared with 6.7% growth in comparable economic sectors. Premium grooming, color services, and experiential retail support demand for salon concepts with a clear identity and training systems.

The initial Lunatic Fringe franchise fee is $40,000. Total opening investment is stated as $350,000 to $650,000, with costs varying by market, real estate, construction, leasehold improvements, equipment, pre opening staffing, and training. PeerSense records an initial investment range of $40,000 to $496,000, reflecting differences between converting an existing salon and building a new location. This is a commercial salon model, not a home based business, so buyers should account for real estate and tenant improvement costs. Company revenue is reported in the $50 million to $100 million range across the brand. Prior salon or beauty industry experience is not required. For buyers considering SBA financing, salon franchises with franchise disclosure documents and established operating histories are often reviewed for SBA 7(a) financing, and the stated $350,000 to $650,000 investment falls within standard SBA loan parameters. Lunatic Fringe therefore requires a meaningful capital commitment while offering a structured alternative to opening an independent salon.

A Lunatic Fringe salon combines haircuts, color, treatments, retail products, and membership programs. Its tiered stylist structure uses different talent levels and service prices, creating options for new clients while allowing experienced stylists to serve premium guests. Franchisees are expected to help recruit, retain, and develop the team rather than act as passive owners. Training covers cutting, coloring, styling, leadership for franchisees and managers, and continuing education. Ongoing required training supports consistent service quality and reflects the founders' focus on advanced education. Franchisees receive guidance on operations, marketing, hiring, technology, and growth strategy. CEO Jenner Feroah has led the company since 2008, and COO Shalene Smith has 20 years of beauty industry experience. Smith works with salon teams on operational consistency. Memberships and retention programs create recurring revenue potential, and the model is best suited to an owner operator or a highly engaged semi absentee owner.

Public information places company revenue at $50 million to $100 million across approximately nine to ten active locations. Lunatic Fringe focuses on retention, premium prices, memberships, and several service streams, which are intended to support recurring revenue. The spring 2024 opening of Lunatic Fringe Draper indicates continued franchisee activity. Prospective buyers should request unit level information from existing franchisees during discovery day and consult an independent franchise accountant.

Lunatic Fringe has expanded from one 700 square foot Salt Lake City salon in 1999 to a network that had surpassed 10 locations across four states in a January 2019 report. The brand had approximately nine active locations as of January 2026, reflecting a preference for measured growth and cultural alignment. Greg Pugh opened Lunatic Fringe Sharonville, Ohio in June 2013 and took over Lunatic Fringe Liberty Township, Ohio in 2022. Bree Briggs joined the Park City ownership team in 2019, while Cassey Lundell and Kaeslyn Rivera took ownership of Lunatic Fringe Holladay that year. The company has announced plans to expand into additional states. Jenner Feroah became CEO in 2008 after becoming a partner at the Parley's Way location in 2006. The brand's 8 NAHA victories and national and international media coverage support its industry credibility. Its stated advantages include founder led culture, advanced education, several revenue sources, and a reputation as a desirable place for stylists to build careers.

The intended franchise candidate is an entrepreneur with people leadership ability, a focus on team culture, and enough capital to operate a premium service business in a physical retail setting. Salon or cosmetology experience is not required. Angie Katsanevas, who owns three locations, has described the model as a tried and true blueprint for driven entrepreneurs who may lack detailed salon business knowledge. Kati and Reuban's 2024 Draper opening provides a recent example. Franchisees are likely to perform best when they enjoy team building, support employee development, and remain actively involved. The current concentration in Utah, Idaho, Ohio, and Tennessee suggests that these areas have the most developed market infrastructure and peer support. Expansion plans may create opportunities in additional states. Candidates should confirm the franchise agreement term and renewal conditions with the franchisor. Opening timing depends on real estate, permitting, and construction, with a multi month period for training and site preparation.

Lunatic Fringe has a 25 year operating history, founder involvement, CEO Jenner Feroah's leadership since 2008, COO Shalene Smith's 20 years of beauty industry experience, 8 NAHA victories, and an established training program. PeerSense assigns the brand a Loan Activity Score of 59, indicating a moderate franchise performance index and the need to examine unit results and franchisee satisfaction closely. PeerSense offers due diligence information covering SBA lending history, Loan Activity Score details, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and comparisons with other salon franchises.