Groom Guy Lands in Marriott's Autograph Collection After Hotel Rebrands
Groom Guy, founded by Darius Davie and Matthew Sears, operates inside the Potomac Hotel spa. The company has completed 8,000+ services since launching.
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Groom Guy, the Black-owned men's grooming company founded by Darius Davie and Matthew Sears, is now operating inside a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel after the Washington property where it is based changed hands and brands.
The Potomac Hotel, Autograph Collection, formerly Salamander Washington DC, debuted under its new name on Aug. 5, AfroTech reported. The 373-room property is owned by real estate investment firm Henderson Park. Salamander Collection founder Sheila Johnson remains a minority partner. Pyramid Global Hospitality took over management.
Groom Guy opened at the hotel in April 2025, before the property transitioned to Marriott's portfolio. The company operates inside the hotel's spa. Marriott now lists Groom Guy among the experiences available at The Potomac Hotel.
"Today marks a new chapter for Groom Guy. We started as a 300 sq. ft. pop-up shop with a simple belief: men's grooming services could become the next revenue anchor in hotels," Davie wrote on LinkedIn, according to the outlet.
The development gives Groom Guy a presence inside a property tied to Marriott Bonvoy, something Davie said had long been a goal.
Groom Guy offers haircuts, beard trims, and hot towel shaves. Since launching, the company has completed more than 8,000 grooming services and generated at least $720,000 in sales, AfroTech reported.
The company also operates at IHG's Yours Truly DC Hotel. Its hospitality expansion reflects a business model built around positioning men's grooming as an additional hotel service rather than operating through traditional barbershops.
The Potomac Hotel's transition brings the property into Marriott Bonvoy, letting eligible guests earn and redeem points and access other program benefits. The hotel retains its two-level spa and Dōgon, the Afro-Caribbean restaurant led by chef Kwame Onwuachi.
"Moments like this remind me that when one door closes, another really does open," Davie said. "We're proud to be part of this next chapter and even more excited for what's ahead as we continue reimagining the role of men's grooming in hospitality."
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