Refinery, a barberspa opening in downtown Lafayette May 10, is destined to be a refuge for men who want a little pampering in the privacy of a male refuge. Men. Only. Refinery, a barberspa opening in downtown Lafayette May 10, is destined to be a refuge for men who want a little pampering in the privacy of a male refuge. Owner Renee Ezell, a licensed cosmetologist, is proud of her new degree. "I just became a licensed barber," she laughs.
Renee Ezell in the hair salon at Refinery
Renee Ezell is the sister-in-law of Tsunami sushi bar owner Michele Ezell, and Refinery will open on the Buchanan Street side of the old Abdalla building, that houses Tsunami. The adaptive reuse of the old building plays up the rustic brick walls and concrete floors, polished to a high shine. Renee will offer hair cuts and beard trims, warm shaves, facials, manicures and pedicures, and massages.
Refinery is only part of the continued development of the building. On the ground floor, one commercial suite is also being rehabbed, and upstairs, approximately half a dozen apartments are being readied for residential occupancy.
Renee says there has been significant interest already. "Lots of guys have already asked about facials." An added attraction: there's a secret door that opens into Tsunami, prime access for a sushi snack for men making a spa day of it.