Scissor and Fork, a new business at 3968 N. Elston Ave., opened in early March as both a hair salon and cafe, owner Ash Grant said on Mar. 31. The space is designed to serve as a community gathering spot, continuing the tradition of salons as social hubs.
Grant said she wanted to provide more third spaces for the neighborhood, where people can enjoy coffee or pastries while getting their hair done or simply spend time together. “Historically, barber shops and hair salons were gathering spaces,” Grant said. “I want to continue that tradition at Scissor and Fork.” The salon currently has four stylists accepting appointments, while the cafe is expected to open in mid-April.
The cafe will feature gluten-free pastries from Defloured Bakery in Andersonville and coffee from Hexe Coffee Co. in Roscoe Village. The business hours are set for 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday for the salon, with the cafe opening earlier at 7:30 a.m.
Grant’s background includes nearly ten years working in the funeral industry before attending cosmetology school at night. She later managed salons for about six years before deciding to start her own business after participating in Northeastern University’s “The Big Pitch” incubator program.
The storefront previously housed a Chinese restaurant for around fifty years until it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. During renovations, Grant noticed unusual occurrences such as lamps falling over by themselves but described any potential haunting as friendly.
Grant aims to foster community events at Scissor and Fork, including grant writing workshops scheduled for April 19 and May 3 as well as plans for Dungeons & Dragons nights. “I envision people coming into Scissor and Fork very confidently and comfortably, whether that’s to get their hair done or just to share the space,” she said.
