Brody Salon (4327 18th St., between Diamond and Eureka streets) has shut down after nearly 14 years in the Castro. In a statement posted to the salon's website, owner and hairstylist Ryan Brody said that May 9 was his last day in business.
The salon got its start in the Castro at 2338 Market St., above the now-closed Copy Central. After 10 years there, it moved to its current location, where it's resided since 2015.
"I left because, unfortunately, I couldn't afford it," Brody told Hoodline. "It became increasingly hard to find stylists, and I'm sure the homeless problem in our neighborhood didn't help."
"My landlord was awesome," he added. "It had nothing to do with him or greed."
Fans of Brody's work will be pleased to learn that he isn't leaving the neighborhood entirely. He'll continue to work with clients out of Michael Roberts Haircutters (4111 19th St., at Castro St.)
But when it came to owning his own small business, "I just couldn't do it anymore," he said.
The now-vacant salon is currently listed for lease. The asking price is $3,500 a month.
"It's unfortunate that there are so many vacancies in the Castro," said Brody of the current state of Castro retail. He expressed gratitude for his customers' support, and says he hopes they'll come to see him at his new location.
