Restaurant Space Transformed Into New Salon

The former location of Cassidy's Grille and Coffee House is sure looking a lot different now with the opening of two new businesses this year.

Style Salon opened its Amherst location at the end of October after 21 years of business in Nashua. Owner Donna Gregorek said that she has been able to double the size of her business in her new home off of Route 101A in Amherst.

“I just wanted something new and exciting, and when I saw this space was available it just all came together. I love the natural light, ceiling space and all of the angles of the interior. This is definitely a unique space.”

Gregorek, who has been a hairstylist since 1982, lives in Amherst and is looking forward to working here from now on. She said that some of her friends said that she was “crazy” to make such a big business move in this economy, but “change is good” and the new location has plenty of benefits.

Their menu of services has been able to expand after they converted the former restaurant's basement into a beautiful spa area. Styles offers massages, facials, smoothing treatments, hair removal and other spa treatments on top of their hair, nail and beauty services.

All of these services are offered at a very reasonable price, according to Gergorek.

The spa area will be completely finished in the next week, and a boutique will also be opening within the next year.

Their new operation is a bit unique since it also shares space with Susan's Consignment Jewelry, which opened earlier this summer. This has worked out perfectly so far, as the two businesses send customers over to one another.

It was challenging to convert a building that has hosted multiple eating establishments over the years. Cassidy's closed in 2011 after three years of business, which had taken over after J. Beaner’s coffee shop closed before that. Restaurants have had trouble at this location because of the septic system did not support restaurants using actual dishes, forcing them to use paper and plastic.

All the work is worth it, but the move itself was a new challenge as it came right when Hurricane Sandy was coming towards New Hampshire.

“We were still painting that Sunday night, had the building inspected Monday morning before the hurricane hit and opened that Tuesday morning without phones or Internet.”

Style Salon currently has 19 employees that are highly trained and embark in an ongoing education to keep on top of the latest styles and trends, according to Gregorek. She added that they are a Goldwell Certified Salon.

Great care is taken to make sure that both the customers and employees feel relaxed and enjoy a friendly environment at this salon. Many of them have been with Styles since the beginning, including Manager Ric Lafluer, who is one of the many personalities they have. 

“He is a fixture here that nobody can live without, said Gregorek. “I couldn’t do any of this without Ric or my staff.”

Lafluer said that he has worked at many salons, but this one is special because the owner does an amazing job at making the employees feel like a part of the family.

“This is the last salon I’ll ever work at,” he said.

Style Salon will hold their Grand Opening in January. For more information, visit their Facebook page.