GROOMED FOR SUCCESS--Society owners K. Chase Patterson, left, and Ryan Norman pose in front of their logo shown on the HD screen in the grooming lounge's downstairs sitting room. (Photo by Rossano P. Stewart)
Tooled leather chairs; brass, glass and wood tables, and cabinetry; historic "Teenie" Harris photos and abstract paintings; a massive flat screen television; a bar replete with crystal decanters; and an elevated shoe shine chair all greet those entering Society Men's Grooming Lounge in the Hill District. And that's just the first-floor of the lounge.
It is the brainchild of businessmen K. Chase Patterson and Ryan Norman, who showcased it to friends, family and associates during a VIP reception, July 10, prior to its official opening the following day.
Guests also enjoyed cocktails and hors d'ouvres upstairs where cutters, manicurists and cosmeticians can accommodate up to four clients at a time in leather and brass barber chairs. As the concierge put it, "At Society, every man's a king."
Not only does the salon offer a variety of high-end grooming services, but it also features a cigar patio and car detailing, and for those who purchase memberships, lockers to store their preferred brands of liquor and cigars. Members also receive one free cut per year and can schedule one free event during any off-day.
"The impetus for this was us getting good cuts in places that don't offer the awards, that we as young businessmen, believe we deserve," said Patterson. "Here, you can get a cut, manicure, pro detailing and order food from Savoy and it gets here faster than if you were there."
Patterson said he and Norman got input from family--and permission from their partners--before embarking on this venture. They then conducted focus groups with young professionals to determine what services people wanted and what they would pay for them. Then they pre-sold memberships, and acquired and renovated the space at the intersection of Herron and Centre Avenues in the Hill.
The result impressed Magisterial Judge Kevin Cooper Sr. so much, he scheduled the business' first appointment before Patterson even arrived at the reception. Another person who was impressed was Patterson's current barber, Tania Bailey, who works at her aunt's salon in East Liberty.
"These chairs are very comfortable, but I'm not leaving my aunt," she said. "I'm hoping I don't lose a client now that he has his own place, but he's a friend so I had to come and support him."
Will Johnson, a marketing consultant and former business partner of Patterson's, traveled from Chicago to attend the reception.
"I was part of his Renaissance Group nonprofit about four years ago," he said. "I had to come back to support my old high school bud."
Shawn Robinson, who runs the Orange Arrow mentoring nonprofit, wasn't going to miss the reception either--despite being on crutches and in a cast after spraining his ankle.
"I have to support the fellows," he said. "I always support good people doing good things."
Society Men's Grooming Lounge is located at 503 Herron Ave., next to the former Dwelling House Saving and Loan. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, and is available for special events on Sundays and Mondays. For information or appointments call 412-475-9226 or visit online at society412.com.
"Everyone who leaves here will feel they have had an experience and quality of services that is bar none," said Patterson.
Source: Christian Morrow. http://newpittsburghcourieronline.com/2015/07/17/society-mens-grooming-l...