US-based male-only day spa and grooming chain, The Gents Place, has opened its first franchised location.

The brand, which markets itself as a ‘lifestyle club’, launched a national franchising programme in 2016 and the Chicago site is the first to open its doors under private ownership.

Since launching its franchise offer, the chain has signed 10 deals.

The Gents Place operates four corporate-owned sites – in Dallas, Texas and Kansas City – and has further sites under development in Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Illinois.

The business is backed by Elevated Brands, a brand management and development company established by US massage franchisor Massage Heights.

The Gents Place Chicago will open on 30 November and will be owned and operated by Peter Terracina, who signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with the company in March.

"We've been enthusiastically pursuing Chicago for quite some time now,” said Ben Davis, founder and president of The Gents Place.

“With the vast potential for economic development and the male demographic of the location, we always knew Chicago was a city our brand would thrive in.

"Interest in men's grooming is at an all-time high and we're thrilled to be expanding our footprint in the market."

In addition to offering men's grooming services in a day spa environment, The Gents Place offers a boutique retail element, with its own-brand Rascal line of products.