Spa Sydell, a purveyor of pampering in metro Atlanta for more than a quarter-century, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The six-spa chain, founded by Sydell and Arthur Harris, will continue to operate, the company said, and it will sell and honor its popular gift certificates. It is adding a seventh location in Roswell.

In its 117-page bankruptcy petition, the company listed $4.3 million in debts and $5 million in assets. The filing shows a decline in gross income to $16.2 million in 2008 from $19.1 million in 2007. In 2009, year-to-date sales were $9.3 million through May.

Atlanta bankruptcy attorney Scott Riddle said spending on luxury items such as spa treatments has fallen in the recession.

“Due to the current economic times and for the continued future of Spa Sydell, it was necessary for us to take this proactive step,” CEO Richard Harris said.

Bankruptcy would allow the company to reorganize financially and to renegotiate its leases.

The chain features services such as massage, facials, manicures, microdermabrasion and reflexology. It has garnered attention locally over the years, in part, through the high profile of Sydell Harris.

The company started with a single location in Buckhead in 1982 and has changed names and expanded since. It has about 350 employees.

The bankruptcy filing lists $2.25 million in unsecured debt. Of that, $743,000 is owed on leases for the six retail locations. Hundreds of unsecured creditors are listed, mostly for trade debt, from radio station and newspaper advertising to business cards, shipping and catering.

The only secured creditor listed is BB&T, with a $1.8 million loan.

The company also owes the Georgia Department of Revenue more than $200,000.
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A Spavelous Recommendation is if you have a gift certificate from any of these locations USE IT NOW!  In addition, we recommend that you do not purchase and new gift certificates from these locations.  If you want, you should purchase a national spa gift certificate that can be used at many different spas in the event of closure.  The Spavelous Spa gift card may be used at any spa or salon that accepts VISA.

Georgia Spas, Spa Bankruptcy

Atlanta area businesspersons Edgar Figueroa, Phyllis Rowe and David Maggio today announced that their new Tierra Salon & Spa For Men™ will opened for business March 10.This Men’s Spa Located at 1549 Clairmont Road, Suite 106, in Decatur, Georgia, the new full-service barbershop and spa has been designed to meet the grooming needs of today’s active, urban Atlanta male.

Masculine in design and relaxing in nature, Tierra’s talented team of skilled haircutters/master barbers, massage therapists, estheticians and manicurists will provide the following grooming and spa services tailored to the individual needs of each client:

• Contemporary hair and clipper cuts, ranging from styled business cuts and Ivy Leagues to flattops and military regulation high and tights.

• Rejuvenating facial treatments featuring multi-step purification procedures, exfoliation, line-reducing masks and skin vacuuming – customized for each client based on skin type and condition.

• Relaxing, therapeutic full-body massages, including Swedish, hot stone, deep tissue and Russian Sport massages.

• Immaculate body and hand grooming, including waxing, manicures, pedicures and brow cleanup.

In addition, Tierra Salon & Spa provides complimentary Starbucks® espresso and a variety of teas and waters. Also, robes and shower facilities are available for use after spa treatment services. Future plans include shoe shining and business/concierge services as well as “Ladies’ Nights” and “Couples Nights” and a Tierra Salon & Spa VIP Client Program.

Tierra Salon features the exclusive use and sale of world renowned Atlanta-based hair designer Richie Arpino’s “IT” line of shampoos, conditioners and styling tools.

The spa is currently developing its own private label of holistic, all natural earth-friendly skin care products.

“We were inspired by the salon’s name,” explained co-owner and manager Edgar Figueroa. “The Spanish word ‘Tierra’ translates to ‘Earth,’ and that’s what we’ve tried to do with the salon. Quite literally, to create a masculine grooming environment where clients can relax, restore and rejuvenate while being pampered. Our goal is for clients to reconnect to nature and become whole with the earth; to re-energize their personal image, health and well-being at more than an hour or two. To this end, you won’t find any clocks, loud noise or widescreen TVs in the salon. And we ask clients to put away their mobiles and PDAs while visiting Tierra, so that everyone can enjoy the spa’s calm, restorative environment.”

The Tierra Salon and Spa is open for business Mondays thru Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. To book an appointment phone 404-636-3173.

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