For 26 years, Hopscotch Salon has opened its doors to the town of Greenwich, first on Mason Street and then on Railroad Avenue in downtown.
But a looming proposal to redevelop Greenwich Plaza, which was introduced over the summer, put the future of several businesses in the area in doubt. Hopscotch Salon co-owners, Hisao Oe and Yamasa, decided it was best to move.
After several months of construction and renovation, Hopscotch reopened in July inside the Hyatt Regency hotel in Old Greenwich. The new location is tucked right next to the hotel’s atrium garden, far away from the busy streets of downtown Greenwich.
“I think we’re here to stay,” said Oe. “This atrium creates sort of an oasis. We’re right on the Post Road, but when you come in here, you say, ‘Wow.’ In our business, we’re an escape. This environment is conducive to that.”
Before Hopscotch, Oe and Yamasa both previously worked at well-known salons in Manhattan. After Oe moved to the Greenwich to start a family, he was still commuting into New York City, so he decided to open up his own business here in town with Yamasa.
Yamasa said the reaction from customers to the new location at the hotel has been positive. Most of all, he said, they’re enjoying the conveniency of free parking.
Oe added that the hotel is the perfect venue for his business. “One of the things that works, is that the hotel is a hospitality business. We consider ourselves a hospitality business first,” he said.
Hopscotch offers specialty hair treatments, cuts, styling and waxing services along with skincare options from esthetician, Suzanna Kudzinowski. The salon also provides services for weddings and special events.
“Guests for weddings stay at this hotel. A good hair salon is essential for women who go to these events. It fits very well,” Oe said.
Salon manager and event coordinator, Maria Farago, said Oe and Yamasa have created a family environment at the salon, complete with customer service that is second to none.
“When you come into work, you feel like you’re working with your family. We feel like the clients feel that way when they come in, too. They bring their kids and feel comfortable, they’re able to bring their dogs and feel comfortable,” Farago said, noting that Oe and Yamasa have watched their clients essentially grow up over the years.
The move to the Hyatt Regency took roughly 7-8 months to complete. Helping Oe and Yamasa with the move was the First Bank of Greenwich.
“We used to bank at a big bank. When we’d go to borrow money, they’d give us a limited amount to work with,” Oe said, adding that he reached out to FBOG President and CEO, Frank Gaudio, last January.
“We’ve never had a relationship like this with a bank in my 26 years [owning the business]. They’re very supportive and enthusiastic of the business that we’re doing,” Oe remarked. Oe, Yamasa, and Farago are on the FBOG Advisory Board.
“Hopscotch Salon took a chance moving from downtown Greenwich to here,” Gaudio said. “It’s nice that we could support them to do the move, and it’s nice that we continue to support them with our network of people that we have at the bank. The people at Hopscotch Salon are lovely to work with, and they’re very creative.”
For more information on Hopscotch Salon and the services they offer, go to hopscotchsalon.com
