Every success story begins with a single, bold step – but in 1997, the team behind Regal Nails took a huge leap when it sought to make high-quality nail services accessible to millions across the US. The idea, which permeated within an office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was to bring affordable, professional nail treatments to shoppers in convenient retail settings.
A Kmart in Brooklyn, Ohio, was the first store to house a Regal Nails setup, launching in October 1997. In the same month, founder & CEO, Quy ‘Charlie’ Ton, spearheaded the company’s partnership with Walmart, which catapulted Regal Nails’ growth. Ton
had noted that many Walmart stores had hair salons on site and could benefit from nail offerings. He successfully pitched the introduction of Regal Nails to Walmart’s Shreveport store in LA, and it proved so popular that the retail giant agreed a rollout of Regal Nails across select sites.
Quy ‘Charlie’ Ton
Image courtesy of Quoc Cong – XO Photography
“We saw an opportunity to combine high retail foot traffic with essential beauty services,” comments a spokesperson for Regal Nails. “The locations offer convenient, affordable and quality nail and spa services in clean, welcoming environments.”
The early 2000s saw Regal Nails scale across the USA via franchising, with the aim of creating meaningful small business opportunities. All sites offer manicures and pedicures, with many also promoting L&P acrylic and gel enhancement services. “Franchisees own and operate their salons, while we provide brand standards, vendor relationships and operational systems,” the spokesperson continues. “Typically, Regal Nails franchises are 600–1,000 sq ft. open concept salons, with an emphasis on cleanliness, ventilation and customer comfort.”
Regal Nails supports franchisees with the business model, equipment, design, innovative ideas and products – including an exclusive Regal Nails line. Meetings are held throughout the year to introduce new concepts and review system standards for each site, and routine visits by field inspectors check quality and brand integrity.
Regal Nails, Salon & Spa in Oro Valley, Arizona.
The first Regal Nails premises.
Expansion effects
In 2005, Regal Nails, Salon & Spa, LLC was formed as the successor company to Regal Nails, LLC. With the new name came new models for salons – including theexpansion of offerings outside of manicures and pedicures, such as waxing and select spa services. Already the largest nail salon franchisor in the United States, the organisation took steps into global growth, with its first franchise in Ontario, Canada. Since then, the company has continued to focus on operational resilience: helping hundreds of families build successful small businesses, while elevating standards in the sector.
THE FRANCHISE PROCESS
For those interested in becoming a Regal Nails, Salon & Spa franchisee, the steps are as follows:
1. Initial inquiry and qualification (financial and background review).
2. Franchise disclosure.
3. Franchise agreement.
4. Site approval.
5. Build-out.
6. Grand opening with franchisor support.
“A good franchisee demonstrates leadership skills, cost control discipline and a passion for customer service,” comments the team at HQ. “At a minimum, franchisees must be able to provide manicure, pedicure and limited waxing services, and have at least one year’s salon experience to qualify. They are supported with site selection, build-out guidance, marketing and ongoing operational recommendations.
“Salon layout, build-out and remodels must comply with our standards, specifications and plans, as well as required sourcing for equipment, furniture, fixtures, décor and Regal Nails branded products.”
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