When Josh Saffran, co-owner of Bentonville’s The Gents Place, first moved to town 15 years ago, he was part of the migration of CPG suppliers drawn to the region for their relationships with Walmart. While thriving in his corporate career, Saffran recognized an opportunity in the entrepreneurial space when the local men’s grooming services fell flat. “Everything felt so transactional,” he explained. “Men weren’t looking forward to their haircut; it was just an annoying task on their list of to-dos.”
Originally from the Northeast, Saffran had experienced barber shop culture–a place for men to have a moment for themselves, maybe make some connections, and leave feeling confident. His vision was to combine high-end grooming with drink service in a stylish and comfortable environment, ideal for networking amongst the like-minded. After extensive research, he secured the second Gents Place franchise, opening Arkansas’ first location in October 2018. Today, his wife, Emily, a former nursing unit director, manages the operations, payroll, and staffing, making the luxury franchise a true family venture.
The Gents Place is built on the philosophy that a haircut should be an elevated experience—not a dreaded chore. The culture is defined by meticulous service. The front-of-house staff is a concierge team dedicated to pouring drinks, pre-booking appointments, and ensuring clients have their undivided attention. The membership-based structure provides a comprehensive, one-stop shop for male care with signature services like the "7 course," which includes a haircut, a facial with a hot eucalyptus towel, a massage, and a hand paraffin dip. The club also provides unique perks like complimentary shoe shines and free upkeep in between cuts.
Opting in at The Gents Place is a layered choice. The organization is passionately Veteran-focused, conducting an annual "Operation Gentleman" suit drive, but locally, Saffran and his wife co-founded the 501(c)(3) Jet, which hosts a yearly fundraising dinner for their members. The annual event is a treat for guests, but the results benefit both Veteran charities and pancreatic cancer research.
The owners extended their platform three years ago with the launch of The B Team Podcast: Bentonville, Business, and Bourbon. Co-hosted by Saffran, Matt Mars, Rob Nelson, and Jim Corbett, the monthly show is designed to support small businesses. The casual format–featuring bourbon tasting and a rating segment–serves as a fun resource for the entrepreneurial community.
Most recently, Saffran upgraded The Gents Place experience with a few nuances at the new Walmart Campus location. According to Saffran, Walmart requested they be the exclusive barber partner on the campus, offering their premier services to both Walmart Associates and campus visitors. To ensure the new location was distinct from the original Bentonville location, Saffran insisted on incorporating a business lounge and speakeasy concept—a first for the Gents Place franchise.
This differentiated space features a hidden wall that opens to reveal a private, membership-based speakeasy with lockers, a private bathroom, and meeting spaces. The lounge is a much-needed haven for networking, debriefing, or decompressing, serving as a quiet, private space for suppliers and Walmart staff. The experience is designed to turn a typical 30-minute appointment into a two- to three-hour retreat, embodying a lifestyle where high-end grooming meets high-level business connection.
"We believe that a gentleman who looks and feels confident is empowered to change the world."