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Black-owned luxury men’s grooming company Groom Guy is expanding its presence in the hospitality industry after the Washington hotel where it operates joined Marriott’s Autograph Collection, AfroTech reports.
The Potomac Hotel, Autograph Collection, formerly Salamander Washington DC, officially debuted under its new name on Aug. 5. The 373-room property is owned by real estate investment firm Henderson Park, with Salamander Collection Founder Sheila Johnson remaining a minority partner. Pyramid Global Hospitality assumed management of the hotel as part of the transition.
The development gives Groom Guy a presence inside a property connected to Marriott Bonvoy, something Davie said had long been a goal.
The company also offers services at IHG’s Yours Truly DC Hotel. Its expansion into hotels reflects a business model centered on positioning men’s grooming as an additional hospitality service rather than operating solely through traditional barbershops.
The Potomac Hotel’s transition also brings the property into Marriott Bonvoy, allowing eligible guests to earn and redeem points and access other program benefits. The hotel retains amenities including its two-level spa and Dōgon, the Afro-Caribbean restaurant led by chef Kwame Onwuachi.
For Davie, the hotel’s transition represents another step in Groom Guy’s effort to expand its model within the hospitality sector.
“Moments like this remind me that when one door closes, another really does open,” Davie said. “We’re proud to be part of this next chapter and even more excited for what’s ahead as we continue reimagining the role of men’s grooming in hospitality.”
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Source: Black Enterprise
