Employees and customers at the Benbrook Nail Bar celebrated a grand reopening Wednesday, with renovations turning a traumatic moment into a fresh start.
BENBROOK, Texas — Three months after a sport utility vehicle crashed through the front of a local nail salon, employees and regulars gathered Wednesday for a grand reopening that also brought a new look to the business.
The Benbrook Nail Bar closed in February after an SUV drove through its front entrance, striking one employee and trapping a second. The force of the impact shattered the storefront’s glass and wall, scattering debris throughout the shop.
“It was like broken glass, broken wall, everywhere,” said Anh Phan, an employee whose uncle was among those injured in the crash.
Police investigated and determined the incident was an accident. No charges were filed.
Phan described the emotional weight of the days that followed. “It was really upsetting,” she said. She added that she has since thought about how the outcome could have been far worse: “I was thinking, what if I was standing at the front desk. It could have been really tragic.”
“You can feel a cleanliness, a vibe — it’s all positive,” said longtime customer Retha McGeough.
With the business shuttered for repairs, owners decided to go further than a basic restoration. New counters, chairs, and display fixtures now line the interior, prompting a noticeably different atmosphere for returning patrons.
Longtime customer Retha McGeough said she had been anxious about the shop’s future from the moment she heard about the crash.
“Visualizing this happening was very scary,” she said. “I didn’t know who would be able to come back once they remodeled.”
McGeough said her concerns faded as soon as she stepped back inside.
The nail bar confirmed that all employees — including the two injured in the February crash — will return to work. Phan said the team is looking forward to welcoming familiar faces and new faces.
“We’re just excited to welcome everyone back with our new look,” she said.
The business opened its doors Wednesday, though appointments will not be available until Thursday.
Phan said ownership is also considering reinforcing the shop’s storefront to prevent a similar incident in the future, though no specific plans have been announced.