Good news for the Birmingham metros

[Buzz Killington]

High-end barber salon opening in downtown Birmingham to offer perks like complimentary beverages

Tim Dreaden, general manager of Butler's Executive Grooming Lounge, expects the high-end barber shop to do well despite the economy

Will men in downtown Birmingham pony up 38 bucks for a haircut, even if it comes with perks such as a shampoo, neck and back massage?

Former Auburn University football player Chris Butler, 29, and his wife, Leigh, are betting they will, despite the current economic downturn.

On Friday, the Butlers will open Butler's Executive Grooming Lounge at 2025 Second Ave. North, an upscale barbershop catering to men that also offers manicures, pedicures and complimentary wine, beer or soda.
 

Butler, a business banker at Compass Bank, and his wife, an executive assistant to Jefferson County Commission President Bettye Fine Collins, obtained a $325,000 two-year low interest loan from the city of Birmingham in December, with assistance from Operation New Birmingham.

Efforts to reach Leigh Butler were unsuccessful and Chris Butler declined comment. But Tim Dreaden, the salon's general manager, said the Butlers are not fearful of opening a high-end shop in such a difficult economic environment.

It pays to look sharp in a tough job market, because you stand out from your competitors, he said.

ONB President Mike Calvert, who said the concept already has proven to be popular in Atlanta, thinks an upscale barbershop with extras will have appeal downtown.

"It's sort of the spa experience for men," said Calvert.

Each of the four barber and styling stations have individual televisions, as do the massage room and the bathrooms. Jazz music is piped in to set a relaxing mood. Birmingham's Hatcher Designs handled the interior, while Brasfield & Gorrie transformed the former printing office into a salon.

Among the services: $10 shoe shines, $20 for a manicure and $30 for a pedicure, a $48 executive facial. Beard trims are $16, while a head shave for the bald look with a razor, pre-shave oil and hot towels costs $23.

Calvert said Butler's upscale services can help in his agency's efforts to sell downtown to potential businesses. He also says its location on Second Avenue North across from City Federal and near other downtown condos fits well with both residents and professionals working downtown.

http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2009/06/highend_barber_salon_opening_i.html

[War Eagle!!!]

I get my hair cut at sports clips. It's not upscale but there are TV's at every station, plus they give the best shampoo, head massage and hot towel treatment...all for only $18. If after my haircut I wanted to pay $20 for a "complimentary" beer and upscale acting bitches...I could go to The Furnace...

[Buzz Killington]

I get my hair cut at sports clips. It's not upscale but there are TV's at every station, plus they give the best shampoo, head massage and hot towel treatment...all for only $18. If after my haircut I wanted to pay $20 for a "complimentary" beer and upscale acting bitches...I could go to The Furnace Atlanta...