National “salon suites” franchise coming to Mount Vernon Plaza

A national salon franchise is opening its first Alexandria area location at Mount Vernon Plaza later this summer.

Phenix Salon Suites, which has more than 200 locations nationwide, will be taking over three vacant spaces near the back of the shopping center (see map). Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, CE Fashions and a National Guard office previously were located in the spaces.

The facility is currently undergoing an extensive renovation. Local franchisee Kevin Davis, who owns 55 Phenix locations, said he’s hoping to open for business the first week of August.

According to its website, the first Phenix Salon Suites opened in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2007. The concept of a “salon suite” business allows for individual stylists to rent 110-square foot private salons and run their own businesses without having to worry about managing an entire facility. Davis said the Mount Vernon Plaza location will have 38 individual salons, which will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to their stylists.

“It’s really about empowering people and putting them into business for themselves,” Davis said.