“The time is right,” said their daughter, Kristin Britz, of the decision to close the successful family-run business. She noted the upkeep of the business as the major factor in the decision to close.

Sallie Muscato purchased the business 60 years ago in 1963. Shortly afterward, Joe Muscato came on board, and the husband and wife hairstylist team has served the community ever since as owners and operators of the business located at 427 Central Ave., Dunkirk.

Joe Muscato recently retired, while Sallie has decided to continue her passion of serving others through renting a space at Fredonia’s Salon Belle Vie. Kara Barone, who has worked with Joe and Sallie Muscato for the past 33 years, will also work at Salon Belle Vie.

The Studio, which employed as many as nine staff members at one point, maintained a steady and loyal clientele over the years with many fond memories shared with the community.

Sallie Muscato is shown cutting her grandson Sen's hair.

“They have very loyal customers. Over generations, people would bring their kids for their first haircut, then those kids would grow up and bring their kids too,” Britz said of her parents.

Britz recalls days from her childhood when she and her sister assisted the family business.

“As a child, my sister and I would help out around the shop. We both have a really good sense of work ethic because it was instilled by our parents,” Britz said.

The Studio is no longer taking clients, and the Muscatos — who were renting the building — expect to be fully moved out by the end of January. They are unaware of what comes next at the Central Avenue location.

As the doors will come to a close for good at the end of the month, Britz reflects on the impact her parents’ business has had on the community.

Kara Barone, standing left, and Sallie Muscato, standing right, are both moving on to work at Salon Belle Vie in Fredonia. Barone worked with Sallie and Joe Muscato at The Studio for 33 years.

“They are well loved. They just have made so many friends over the years,” she said.