The Gents Place
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Men's grooming, beauty services |
| Founded | January 1, 2008 in Frisco, Texas, United States |
| Founder | Benjamin Davis |
| Headquarters | Dallas , United States |
Area served | Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Illinois, Nevada |
Key people | Benjamin Davis (Founder), Emmitt Smith (Co-owner) |
| Products | Haircuts, coloring treatments, shaves, hand and foot care, shoe shining |
| Website | thegentsplace |
The Gents Place is a high-end, membership-exclusive men’s grooming and lifestyle establishment launched in 2008 in Frisco, Texas. It integrates services typically found in barbershops, spas, and salons, providing haircuts, coloring treatments, shaves, hand and foot care, as well as shoe shining.
History
Benjamin Davis, an entrepreneur, founded The Gents Place in 2008 with its inaugural venue located in Frisco, Texas. His vision was to elevate the conventional haircut experience. In addition to this venture, Davis created GentsDeals.com and the Male Advertising Network. Initial priorities included assembling and training a highly skilled team and utilizing social media platforms to attract a clientele exceeding 5,000 individuals. By 2011, Davis expanded operations by purchasing a men’s salon in Leawood, Kansas, followed by opening a third site in Dallas's Preston Hollow neighborhood in 2012. During this period, men’s grooming emerged as the fastest-expanding sector within beauty services.
As of July 2019, The Gents Place manages 13 locations spanning Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Illinois, and Nevada. In March 2016, the business obtained undisclosed funding from Elevated Brands—a holding entity associated with Massage Heights—to support its nationwide franchise growth strategy. That same year, NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith joined as co-owner alongside Davis. Smith’s involvement aids in accelerating franchise development and enhancing brand visibility.
The company revealed intentions to establish 150 franchise outlets within five years while continuing to grow its corporate-owned stores. Expansion plans also encompassed entering the Houston market with up to ten new clubs anticipated. The Gents Place’s operational approach centers on membership-based income streams targeting affluent male clientele seeking premium grooming services.
Services and culture
The Gents Place delivers a range of offerings including haircuts, hot towel shaves, waxing services, shoe shining, and hand and foot maintenance. These are complemented by amenities such as complimentary bars and cigar-smoking patios. The interior design showcases dark wood paneling, leather barber chairs, lounge areas, and pool tables, fostering an elegant ambiance reminiscent of a country club or upscale steakhouse. The business functions on a membership model with monthly and annual subscription options. By July 2016, membership totaled approximately 2,300 individuals.
Accolades
Acknowledged for its industry impact, The Gents Place was awarded #1 Barber on the WFAA Dallas A-List in 2009. It has been recognized by Haute Living as one of Dallas’s premier barbershops and featured in Men's Health as one of America’s Manliest Barbershops. In 2014, Esquire highlighted it for providing some of the nation’s most luxurious shaves. In December 2015, the company secured victory in the OnDeck Barbara Corcoran Seal of Approval competition, receiving $10,000 along with strategic guidance from investor Barbara Corcoran.