New Fantastic Sams Cut and Color celebrates soft opening in Shoppes at Sun Mountain Complex in Wasilla

The new Fantastic Sams Cut and Color Wasilla location recently celebrated its soft opening in the Shoppes at Sun Mountain complex last month. Owners Patrick and Marcie O’Neill have lived in the Valley for many years and had always wanted to bring the franchise to the community. With a growing population and town center, the timing was right to capitalize on the new opportunity and growing demand for quality haircuts and colors at an affordable price.

“We really felt like there was a big demand and a need for the service, which is always what any entrepreneur wants to see, an opportunity and a demand come together at the same time,” Patrick said.

Patrick has been involved with sports in the Valley, coaching the Wasilla girls’ varsity soccer team for eight years and serving as the marketing director for the Alaska Avalanche Junior A hockey team. Dave Boitz was the general manager and coach of the hockey team during the time that Patrick worked there. Boitz’s brother was the CEO of Fantastic Sam’s and both Boitz and the Patrick discussed the possibility of bringing the franchise to the Valley “for years.”

When Boitz moved away from the hockey world and began helping his brother sell the franchise nationwide, Patrick and Marcie began more serious discussions on opening a location in Wasilla. Patrick said that Boitz’s familiarity of the Valley and understanding of its growing population helped to make the dream into reality and given the go to buy into the franchise.

The O’Neills purchased the franchise license in the fall of 2024. They began searching for locations and held discussions with H5 construction, who was building a new center at the Shoppes at Sun Mountain. They signed a lease in June of this year and began the build out process this summer, with their official opening on November 21.

“It looked like for the big picture, long-term prospect of our business, getting into that new center seemed like the best location. It’s close to the commercial zone of Wasilla,” Patrick said. “We felt like that would be the best location.”

The O’Neills didn’t come from a background in the hair industry, but hired experienced stylists that brought their own client base with them. Their seven-person team is led by an experienced stylist and manager who helps them operate the day-to-day operations. The team is a mix of experienced stylists and some that are recent beauty school graduates ready to start their careers.

The salon has received positive feedback in the first few days of operation and Patrick said that the salon turned out great. As with any new business, Patrick said they are currently working out some minor issues as they find their stride. Customers can schedule appointments through the Fantastic Sams app and walk-ins are always welcome. The business will celebrate an official grand opening on January 8, 2026.

The Fantastic Sam’s franchise was founded in 1974 by Samuel Ross. It was the first unisex, family-friendly walk-in franchise salon in its time. The franchise recently celebrated their 50th anniversary and continue to carry on the legacy of offering affordable hair styling options for the entire family.

Patrick currently works as the Sales Manager at Kendall Ford in Wasilla and Marcie works as an administrative secretary at Cottonwood Creek Elementary. Fantastic Sams operates on an absentee franchise model, where owners help manage and market the business but are not necessarily present each day. Patrick said that this helps take the pressure off of them to drive huge profits during the starting phase of the business.

While the O’Neills are excited to bring this new opportunity to the Valley and address the demand for quality haircuts and colors without long lines and at an affordable price, they look forward to being part of the growing community and giving back to their customers.

“It means a great deal to us because we’re all about community,” Patrick said. “We want to be involved, we want to sponsor teams and be involved in the community and give back to our customers… The Shoppes at Sun Mountain is going to be an exciting, vibrant center in the future, so we’re excited to be a part of that as well.”