Massage Envy Fills Vacant Front in Bedford Green Plaza

The opening of , a local franchise of a national massage center chain, signals another milestone in the transformation of the shopping plaza known as Bedford Green on 117.

Where storefronts closed in quick succession over the last two years, new stores with refurbished fronts now welcome shoppers. The parking lot is dotted with new plants and flower pots and freshly painted markings direct cars in an organized flow.

Since Diamond Properties acquired the plaza in 2008, and , and new tenants including and have come onto the scene.

And husband-and-wife team, Ellen and Kamil Samra, who opened the massage franchise last week, are thrilled to be there.

"We thought this would be a great location—it's a busy shopping area and a real mix of interesting people," said Ellen Samra, who lives in Piermont with her husband.

The massage center offers a customized approach that can suit anyone's needs, she said. For $69, members receive one session per month that can be used for massage or a facial or a gift session for someone else. Additional sessions per month can be scheduled at discounted rates. Plus, the hours are flexible for late evening and weekend appointments.

And with an introductory offer of $59 for a first massage, it's affordable, she said.

There are 13 therapy rooms where professional, licensed therapists with over one thousand hours of training under their belts will deliver massages according to their clients' needs—from Swedish, to pre-natal to deep tissue and sports. An array of facials from anti-aging to sensitive are on the menu, along with the use of Murad skin products.

"It's most important to us that we find out what our customer wants," said Kamil Samra, who previously owned four Party City stores in New Jersey with his wife. "Do they want to relax? Is there a problem area? Are they in a hurry? The main thing is that we understand the needs of our guests and we treat people with care."

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

And because it is a national chain with over 750 locations across the country, members can use Massage Envy in other towns—even when they go on vacation.

A grand opening is planned for May 5, (check the Patch events calendar for details) but the Samras have already had a soft opening and introduced themselves to locals at the road race in Bedford Hills. 

"We plan to be hands-on managers and get involved in the community," said Kamil Samra.

Massage envy is open Sunday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Call 244-8689 or make an appointment online.