Quinntessential Gentleman to Open in Hunt Valley

The Quinntessential Gentleman, which began in downtown Baltimore as an upscale barbershop and evolved into a mini department store, plans to open a second location February 1 at the Executive Plaza in Hunt Valley, across the street from the Hunt Valley Towne Centre.

QG will occupy about 3,000 square feet of space on the lower level of the office and retail center on Shawan Road, just off I-83.

Owner Craig Martin said the Hunt Valley location will be similar in concept to the original QG, which occupies six floors at 31 S. Calvert Street, except that it will be on one level. After starting as a barbershop in 2005, the downtown location now offers men’s and women’s clothing, custom tailoring, a full spa, a members’ lounge and a speakeasy-style restaurant and bar.

Martin said he intends to offer a similar spectrum of services, clothing, and accessories at the Executive Plaza. “This will be a one-floor version of our Calvert Street location, and we have been more strategic in our layout and design,” he said. According to the store’s website, the new location will feature a barbershop, spa, and men’s and women’s clothing.

When searching for the first expansion location for the concept, “Hunt Valley kept emerging over and over again,” Martin said. “Many of our customers currently live and work along the I-83 corridor, so this will be exceedingly more convenient for them. Parking will never be an issue, given the large surface lot. The locations will complement each other…Membership will be transferable.”

Martin indicated that Hunt Valley represents the initial phase of an expansion program that is expected to accelerate later this year. “We have strong interest in Columbia and also the Northern Virginia area,” he said. “People are attracted to quality and expert craftsmanship. The grooming and overall experience we provide are truly unique. Our client feedback says there is a fertile opportunity to expand.”

QG is the second new retailer to open within Executive Plaza within the last several months after Three Dog Deli began breakfast and lunch service in November. With 550,000 square feet of space over four buildings, the Executive Plaza is in the final phases of a $3 million renovation program that focused on improvements to the elevator lobbies, restrooms, exterior and common area spaces.

“The QG represents an important piece to the retail mix at Executive Plaza in our intended program to create a well-rounded roster of products and services for our tenants and the surrounding business community,” said Danielle Beyrodt, Vice President of Hill Management Services, the owner and operator of Executive Plaza.

“The concept has established a highly-recognized brand in the Baltimore City marketplace, and the addition of their salon services, spa and clothing offerings adds a destination retailer to our tenant mix.”