European Wax Center

European Wax Center was founded in 2004 by brothers Joshua and David Coba, who opened the company's first location in Florida. The brothers began franchising the concept in 2008.

By 2015, the company had expanded to 500 locations in the United States, and by 2018, its network had grown to more than 685 centers. In August of that year, investment firm General Atlantic made a strategic investment in European Wax Center. David P. Berg was appointed chief executive officer later that year, succeeding co-founder David Coba.

In 2019, European Wax Center relocated its corporate headquarters from South Florida to Plano, Texas, consolidating operations previously based in Florida and New York City. The relocation brought more than 100 corporate positions to the Dallas area.

In August 2021, European Wax Center completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol EWCZ. The offering priced 10.6 million shares at $17 per share.

The company opened its 1,000th center in Louisville, Kentucky, in July 2023. That year, David Willis succeeded Berg as chief executive officer, while Berg became executive chairman. Berg returned to the chief executive role in August 2024 before being succeeded in January 2025 by Chris Morris, who also became chairman of the board.

In February 2026, General Atlantic agreed to acquire the European Wax Center shares it did not already own for $5.80 per share in cash. The transaction, which had an implied enterprise value of approximately $640 million, was completed in May 2026. European Wax Center subsequently ceased trading on Nasdaq and became privately held.

Business and Operations

European Wax Center operates primarily through a franchise model. As of January 3, 2026, the company had 1,047 centers across 44 U.S. states, including 1,042 franchised centers and five corporate-owned locations. The network was operated by 172 franchisees, of whom 120 operated multiple European Wax Center locations.

Under its franchise agreements, European Wax Center licenses its trademarks and operating system to independently owned centers and provides franchisees with training, pre-opening assistance, and ongoing operational support. The company also assists with site selection and development, marketing, and center operations. Its franchise-support structure includes field trainers and franchise business consultants who provide coaching, training, and performance guidance to franchise locations.

Waxing services are performed by licensed estheticians whom European Wax Center refers to as "Wax Specialists." In addition to applicable professional licensing requirements, Wax Specialists are required to complete the company's proprietary training program before performing services. European Wax Center's 2026 annual filing describes an intensive six-day initial training program, followed by continuing education and center-level training intended to standardize service delivery across the franchise network.

Services and Products

European Wax Center offers body and facial waxing services, including brow, underarm, leg, back, chest, bikini, and Brazilian waxing, across its network of centers. The company states that its services are offered to guests of different genders and body types.