The Town of Guilderland will welcome a third-generation master barber and shop that offers special shaving and event services at the grand opening of Sim’s Barbershop in 20 Mall on Saturday, Dec. 20.
Greg Zorian, a master barber with more than 18 years experience, and his business partner Steve Vilot will officially unveil the business Dec. 20, although it has been operating since Tuesday, Nov. 11.
There will be giveaways for the first 50 men and 50 women, refreshments and music, according to information provided by the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce.
Zorian and Vilot said the shop will provide an outlet for men to get their hair done and get a shave, saying that salons for women outnumber barbershops 10-to-1.
Just when you thought there was nothing new to bring to the barber chair, Sim’s comes along and proves you wrong, said Zorian.
Sim’s also opened up a smaller shop in Saratoga, at 40 Caroline St., a week after the Guilderland shop.
Jeff Shinaman, the vice president of membership for the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce said the shop will fill a `niche` in city.
He added that Zorian and Vilot are active members in the community and have done a lot of work for not-for-profits organizations.
`It’s a nice addition to the downtown options,` Shinaman said.
`It’s very old Saratoga,` Zorian said of the three-chair shop.
Vilot said they are planning a grand opening for the same day as the Guilderland shop, but the ribbon cutting might be another day that week.
He said they plan to start small and get their `feet wet,` in Saratoga and possibly expand that shop and open others.
One service Zorian said sets Sim’s Barber Shops apart is its `shaving school.`
`We re going to teach you how to shave based on your face type,` Zorian said.
He said the one-hour service caters to the different skin types, and he and his staff will recommend what products will optimize the customers’ shaving experience.
A razor, products specific to your skin type, a customized diagram of your facial shaving area and step-by-step instructions are included in the service.
The shop joined the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce, and Executive Director Kathy Burbank said it is exciting to bring the hair-cutting establishment into town.
`I’m so glad Greg and Steve have decided to not only locate the shop in the former Gregory’s shop but also make their shop a new and innovative type of salon. I think they will do well here in Guilderland,` Burbank said.
It is the fourth Sim’s store in the Northeast, with additional locations in Boston, Pittsfield and Great Barrington, Mass., and Saratoga Springs.
`Sim’s prices will vary between $15 for a buzz cut to $50 for a `signature shave,` according to written information from the shop. `A complimentary beverage comes with all services and free neck cleanups are available between visits.`
Zorian said the barbershop struck a balance between a good price and good service.
`We’re not a discount barbershop. We’re not a discount chain,` Zorian said. `But we’re not your wife’s salon either.`
In Four Seasons magazine, Zorian and his Boston barbershop were voted No. 2 in the world, he said.
Vilot, also a master barber, has cut hair and shaved in more than 30 stores.
He said the experience and professionalism the shop offers is world class, competing with some of the best Las Vegas and Miami barber shops. He also said the other barbers are of the same caliber.
`All of our staff, hair stylists and barbers, are trained to do exactly the same service we do,` Vilot said.
The Guilderland shop is also expected to eventually cater to women and will offer personal grooming products, and run a subsidiary barber training school.
Other services offered by the shop are special appearances by world-class barbers, including the official barber of the Chicago Bulls basketball team and Chicago Bears football team, and special event pricing for wedding parties that includes food and drink.“
