Is Hooters-style salon too risque for Tosa?

A men's salon and spa took a few jabs from city officials about its image, but ultimately it won support for opening its first Wisconsin operation in Wauwatosa.

The "scantily clad young ladies in short shorts" shown on the company's website and YouTube videos of Knockouts salons already operating around the country led Alderman Don Birschel to equate it to a Hooters restaurant and even an escort service.

Birschel voted in favor of a Knockouts at a Plan Commission meeting earlier this month, but changed his mind when the matter came up before the Community Development Committee on Tuesday.

"This came to the Plan Commission before anyone in the city knew what a Knockouts was," Birschel said. "I would like to have seen some of these things before."

He said the business wasn't appropriate for Wauwatosa.

But his view did not quash plans to open the salon in a shopping center near Mayfair Mall; Birschel was outvoted 6-1.

The vote dealt with allowing the business to offer massage services. A salon is permitted to operate in the area, but businesses that want to provide massages must get a permit, Community Development Director Nancy Welch said.

Business open to all

Other committee members said they may not be the first in line to get a haircut at Knockouts, but they don't see the business as sleazy.

"If I frankly don't like the type of business, I don't have to go there," Alderman Eric Meaux said.

Alderman Bobby Pantuso said he expects Knockouts to have more in common with the hair-cutting business SportClips than Hooters. Women go to salons and spas for relaxation and pampering all of the time. But when men become the targeted clientele, a negative connotation gets attached, he said.

While younger men do make up a large portion of Knockouts' customer base, there won't be a bouncer to keep other people out.

"We will cut women's hair, we will cut children's hair," said Scott Burns, franchise owner from Brookfield. "There is absolutely nothing inappropriate going on."

He brought a uniform to show the committee that it covered more of a woman's body than the Hooters tight tank top and shorts.

"We're not interested in public displays," he said. "I'm disappointed that people's imaginations have run wild."

The stylists won't have to wear shorts. During Wisconsin's cold months, athletic pants will be worn.

Right location

Burns said he looked at locations throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha counties and settled on the One Mayfair Place shopping center because space was available at the right price. The salon/spa will feature a boxing motif with televisions showing sports.

Beer is offered at many of the 65 Knockouts salons across the country.

If the owner plans to offer free alcohol, he will have to get a liquor license, City Attorney Alan Kesner said. Giving beer away doesn't get the business around Wauwatosa's liquor laws, he said.

WHAT NOW?

WHAT: The Common Council will vote on whether to permit men's salon/spa Knockouts to offer massage services.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5

WHERE: City Hall, 7725 W. North Ave.