In what could be a contender for the most successful repurposing of a Chuck E. Cheese on record, Juut Salonspa in Edina recently won the national title Salon of the Year from industry publication Salon Today.

Owned by David Wagner and his wife Charlie Wagner, the Juut chain includes five Twin Cities locations plus three in Arizona and California. After many years at Southdale Center in Edina, Juut moved a few blocks down France Avenue in September, 2022 to a two-level, 12,000-square-foot corner spot at Centennial Lakes. A $1.7 million remodel led by Minneapolis architecture and design firm Trellage-Ferrill transformed the unusual octagon-shaped space into a state-of-the-art salon that incorporates technology, art, and sustainable materials. Highlights include a 72-foot atrium, a 22-pound natural citrine chandelier, floor-to-ceiling windows around the stylist stations, hydraulic lift chairs with cushions that alleviate pressure on the head as well as neck, and a lobby modeled after airport sky clubs with lounge seating and a wired work bar for guests.

“Our judges especially loved how the Wagners thought about the guest in every little detail of the salon,” Salon Today said, “from the custom chandelier featuring the largest healing citrine in North America to the phone chargers at each station that are angled so guests can take videos of their stylists finishing their hair to better recreate the look at home.”

Situated on the edge of the Centennial Lakes plaza and walking path, Juut has seen a double-digit increase in business since opening the new salon—particularly in walk-in retail traffic, a company spokesperson said. “With the Farmer’s Market over the summer and the lake (which offers paddle boating in the summer; ice skating in the winter) drawing people in, we see a lot more pedestrian traffic move by our front door.”