We just heard some sad news: the Electric Chair hair salon may close. The Ocean Beach hair salon has been on Newport Avenue since 1984; it first began with Paul Bolton in a hole in the wall with only two chairs.
Then Paul and his spouse Lynn made the big move into its current location, 4944 Newport Ave, #A. Over the some 35 years it’s been on Newport, the establishment has been through as many changes as some people change their hair. Yet it’s been a mainstay on OB’s main commercial boulevard for all this time.
Suzy Woodward. Photos from Electric Chair facebook.
Two years or so ago, Paul sold the salon to a new owner, who is now we understand trying to sell it to one of the independent contractors who has worked there for decades, Suzy Woodward. We also heard the landlord is unwilling to extend current lease beyond its 18 month span.
We are attempting to track down the details but so far this has been confirmed.
If it turns out the Electric Chair does close, their closure adds to the long-time businesses in and around Newport that have shuttered their doors in the recent past: Nati’s, Newport Pizza, the Black Bead … the list is getting longer.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
The Salon is NOT closing. Susy (who has worked there since 1991) and her client Lyz are taking over the Salon from the previous owner.
Good Morning OB,
All of the information contained in this article is inaccurate. Two correct facts, original owner- Paul Bolton, and 35years years. The doors will remain open. Susy is assuming ownership. After nearly three years ownership, the salon is need of new management which Susy will bring along with her patent Elizabeth. Together rebuilding a team that will be dedicated to serve the community and be available to meet walk in needs. The salon will remain open 7 days a week. Together achieving an environment that is Technical, Ethical, and Cutting Edge, with ambitious stylists wanting to serve.
The Salon is NOT closing. Unsure where this story game from. Susy Woodard who has worked at the Electric Chair since 1991 & her client are taking over the Salon.
Just had my hair colored there two weeks ago, very very sad another small business and history going down the freaken toilet
The operative word here is “maybe.” We are following up on this local breaking story and will have an update.
After checking in with our confidential source, the OB Rag is sticking by our story.
We’ve taken a lot of caca from posting this article. As we stand by the story, I must remind some readers that when OB ‘s “favorite” business, the OB Hardware store was in danger of closing, we wrote articles about that. And guess what? It lead to a number of potential buyers stepping up and one actually purchased the business.