How to Finance a Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Franchise: Turnkey Costs
By Anthony Cornella
A Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids franchise loan pays for a children’s hair salon built around entertainment as much as haircuts, with ride-in cars, gaming stations and screens that keep young clients busy in the chair. The brand sells its salons as a turnkey package and markets them to owners who want a business that stylists run day to day, which shapes how a lender looks at the deal.
This article covers Sharkey’s published costs, the financing options that suit a kids’ salon and what the brand’s SBA Franchise Directory notes mean.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document and website can change, loan programs vary, and every loan is subject to approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice, and buyers should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Brand history: serving families since 2001, founded by Linda and Scott Sharkey and headquartered in Westport, Connecticut.
- System size: the company’s franchise site counts 192 salons as of the third quarter of 2025, up from 122 in 2022, and its consumer site describes more than 200 locations.
- Franchise fee: $45,000, according to the company’s investment page.
- Initial turnkey package: $119,990, listed separately on the same page.
- Estimated initial investment: $197,415 to $336,240 for a single salon, depending on location and build-out.
- Ownership model: marketed as a passive or semi-absentee franchise; hair care experience is not required.
- Royalty and marketing fees: the company describes its royalties as lower than average; exact rates are in Item 6 of the FDD.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed under code S1559, with two notes about leases and real estate.
What Is Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids?
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids is a children’s hair salon franchise based in Westport, Connecticut. Linda and Scott Sharkey built the concept around a simple idea: a haircut is easier for a young child when it feels like an outing. The company says it has been serving families since 2001, and a company news article notes that the first franchise was sold in 2005 while a corporate salon in Westport stayed open as a testing ground and training center.
Salons serve boys and girls up to age 14. The standard visit includes a wash, cut and blow-dry along with small extras for the child, and locations feature kids’ ride-in cars, gaming stations and large screens for shows. Many salons also offer a Tween Lounge for older kids and first-haircut packages, and the franchise site points to birthday parties, retail merchandise and specialty services as added income.
Why lenders pay attention to the model. A kids’ salon has modest equipment needs but depends on repeat visits, a reliable stylist team and a location near young families. Because Sharkey’s markets its salons to owners who may not work in them daily, a Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids franchise loan request should explain who will manage the salon.
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Franchise Costs
Sharkey’s publishes a short investment table on its franchise site and directs candidates to the FDD for full details. The company notes that exact figures vary with location and build-out needs.
Initial franchise fee. The investment page lists a $45,000 franchise fee. The company says it offers substantial franchise fee discounts to owners who buy multiple salons, and the amounts for those packages should be confirmed in the FDD and franchise agreement.
The turnkey package. The same page lists an Initial Turn-Key Package at $119,990. The franchise FAQ describes the turnkey support as covering store equipment, help locating a site, salon design plans and training for the owner and employees needed to open. Ask what any additional packages include.
Build-out, opening costs and working capital. Salons typically lease retail space, so build-out, deposits and early rent drive much of the range. Grand opening marketing, retail inventory, insurance, stylist payroll during the ramp-up and a cash reserve also belong in the budget.
Total investment. Sharkey’s estimates the initial investment for a single Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids salon at $197,415 to $336,240, including the franchise fee and turnkey package. When you request the FDD, review Item 7 for these cost categories and their ranges:
- Initial franchise fee and turnkey package
- Leasehold improvements, signage and fixtures outside the package
- Security deposits and rent before opening
- Opening retail inventory, grand opening marketing and insurance
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Sharkey’s says its business model features lower-than-average royalties, but the company does not publish the rate on its website. Item 6 of the FDD lists the royalty, any marketing or brand fund contribution, technology fees, transfer and renewal fees, and any required remodel or refresh obligations.
How lenders factor these costs in. Royalty and marketing contributions are usually tied to gross sales, so they come off the top before rent, stylist payroll and loan payments. A lender building a cash flow model will subtract them from projected revenue, add rent and staffing costs, and then test whether what remains covers debt service with room to spare. Stylist payroll is usually the biggest variable.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
Sharkey’s does not publish a minimum net worth or liquid capital figure on its franchise pages. What it does say:
- No hair care experience needed: the company prefers management or business experience, since stylists handle the haircuts.
- Passive owners welcome: the FAQ says single-salon owners are not required to work in the salon full time or part time and can keep a current job.
- Multi-unit owners: those who own more than one salon should work part time in the business or hire a manager.
- Personal qualities: the company looks for positive, customer-focused and highly motivated candidates.
The approval process. Candidates apply through the franchise site, receive the FDD, and work with the company on site selection, lease negotiation and salon design before opening. Training runs three to four days, and the company offers virtual assistance during grand opening week plus ongoing owners meetings on operations and marketing.
Ways to Own a Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
Opening a new salon. Most owners open a new location with the turnkey package. Lenders underwrite it on the owner’s finances, the site and projections. Our page on franchise start-up financing explains how we approach a new unit.
Buying an existing salon. A resale gives a lender actual sales and expense history to underwrite, and the purchase requires the franchisor’s transfer approval under Item 17 of the FDD. Read about buying a franchise resale.
Financing Options for a Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because Sharkey’s is on the SBA Franchise Directory, SBA 7(a) financing is a natural fit for a Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids franchise loan. One 7(a) loan can cover the franchise fee, turnkey package, build-out and working capital.
SBA 504 loans. The SBA 504 program is designed for owner-occupied real estate and long-lived fixed assets. Most Sharkey’s salons lease their space, so 504 financing generally fits only when an owner buys a building or condo unit for the salon.
Conventional term loans. Owners with strong credit, collateral and liquidity may qualify for a conventional business loan, especially when buying an existing salon with solid history or adding a unit to an established group.
Equipment financing. Styling chairs, ride-in car chairs, shampoo stations, gaming stations, screens, point-of-sale systems and retail displays can sometimes be financed separately. Learn more about franchise equipment financing and leasing, and confirm what the turnkey package already includes.
Working capital and lines of credit. Kids’ salons are busiest around back-to-school season, holidays and weekends. A line of credit or franchise working capital financing can cover payroll during the ramp-up and smooth seasonal swings.
Seller financing on resales. A seller may carry part of a resale price. Seller notes are typically subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA rules may limit them.
SBA Loans for Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Franchisees
The SBA Franchise Directory lists brands whose franchise agreements have been reviewed for SBA eligibility. SBA lenders generally require a brand to appear on the directory before making an SBA-guaranteed loan to one of its franchisees. A listing clears the franchise relationship for review; it does not approve any borrower.
Sharkey’s directory listing. Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids is listed under code S1559 with two notes:
- Option for Assignment of Lease: when the real estate where the salon is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the brand’s Option for Assignment of Lease may not be executed. In plain terms, a document letting the franchisor take over the lease cannot be signed in that case.
- Purchase option on real estate: the franchisor may not exercise a purchase option for real estate owned by the franchisee.
For owners who lease their space, these notes rarely matter day to day, but confirm the lease documents with your lender.
Loan size. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, although program rules can change. A single salon falls well within that limit. Our SBA loan calculator can help with early payment estimates; results are for planning only and are not an offer or approval.
SBA application tips. Gather tax returns, a personal financial statement, a résumé, the FDD, the franchise agreement, the lease or letter of intent and a business plan with monthly projections. If you plan to be a passive owner, explain who runs the salon day to day.
How Lenders Evaluate a Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Every Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids franchise loan starts with a review of credit, tax returns and existing debts, plus a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. Lenders want to see cash for the equity injection and reserves after closing. See how much franchise you can afford.
Industry and management experience. Hair care experience is not required by Sharkey’s, but lenders value management experience, especially leading hourly teams. If you will be semi-absentee, name the salon manager and describe their background.
Business plan and projections. Build projections around haircut volume, service mix, birthday party bookings, retail sales, stylist pay, rent and the royalty from Item 6. Show a realistic ramp-up rather than assuming a full appointment book in month one.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal rights, transfer rules and Items 3 and 4 for litigation and bankruptcy history. See how lenders read an FDD. Item 19 shows whether the FDD includes financial performance representations.
Site and lease. Visibility to families, nearby schools and anchor tenants, parking and lease length all matter. Lenders generally want the lease term to cover the loan term or include renewal options.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Sharkey’s offers fee discounts for multiple salons. When you commit to several, the development schedule controls when each must open. Lenders typically finance the first salon, then underwrite each additional one using the first salon’s results along with the new site’s projections. See our article on multi-unit franchise financing for how lenders view a growing group.
Real-World Scenarios
A working parent opening a first salon. A corporate manager keeps a full-time job and opens a salon with an experienced salon manager in place. The SBA 7(a) lender focuses on the manager’s background and the owner’s oversight plan.
A buyer purchasing an existing salon. An investor buys a salon from a relocating owner. The lender underwrites the salon’s actual sales history, and the seller carries a small subordinate note approved by the lender.
A multi-unit buyer. An owner signs for two salons to capture the fee discount. The first salon is financed at signing, and the second loan is requested after the first has several months of results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating the turnkey package as the whole budget and leaving out build-out, rent and reserves
- Assuming a passive model means lenders will not ask who runs the salon
- Projecting full appointment books from the first month
- Financing equipment that the turnkey package already includes
- Signing a lease with a term shorter than the loan
- Skipping the royalty and marketing fees in Item 6 when modeling cash flow
For more pitfalls, read common franchise loan mistakes.
Next Steps to Finance Your Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Franchise
Step 1: Request the FDD. Review Items 5, 6, 7, 17 and 19 and ask what each turnkey package includes.
Step 2: Review your finances. Prepare a personal financial statement.
Step 3: Talk with a financing specialist. Discuss SBA 7(a) and conventional options before you sign.
Step 4: Choose a site. Work with Sharkey’s on site selection and get a letter of intent from the landlord.
Step 5: Build your business plan. Include a staffing plan, local marketing and monthly projections.
Step 6: Apply and close. Submit the loan package, coordinate lease and franchise documents, and plan your grand opening.
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids franchise cost?
The company estimates the initial investment for a single salon at $197,415 to $336,240, depending on location and build-out needs. Confirm the current figures in Item 7 of the FDD.
What is the Sharkey’s franchise fee?
The company’s investment page lists a $45,000 franchise fee, with discounts available for owners who buy multiple salons.
What royalty does Sharkey’s charge?
The company says its royalties are lower than average but does not publish the rate on its website. Check Item 6 of the current FDD for the royalty and any marketing fees.
Can I get an SBA loan for a Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids franchise?
Sharkey’s is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S1559, so SBA lenders can consider the brand. Each borrower still has to qualify on their own credit, finances and plan.
Do I need salon experience?
No. Sharkey’s says management or business experience is preferred over hair care experience, since stylists handle the haircuts.
How many Sharkey’s locations are there?
The company’s franchise site counts 192 salons as of the third quarter of 2025, and its consumer site describes more than 200 locations.
Can I keep my job while owning a salon?
The company’s FAQ says single-salon owners do not need to work in the salon, but lenders will want to know who manages it.
Can I buy an existing Sharkey’s salon?
Yes, when one is for sale and the franchisor approves the transfer. Lenders can then underwrite actual sales history.
Can I finance salon equipment separately?
Often, yes. Items outside the turnkey package can be financed through equipment loans or leases.
Does Sharkey’s offer financing?
The company’s franchise pages do not describe direct financing. Review Item 10 of the FDD for any franchisor financing disclosures.
Final Thoughts
A Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids salon combines a known children’s brand with a turnkey opening package and a semi-absentee ownership model. The strongest Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids franchise loan requests show a complete budget beyond the package, a clear management plan and realistic projections built on the FDD’s fee structure.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital across many established brands. Learn more about our franchise financing solutions.
