Lake Zurich, Wheeling massage parlors all the 'Envy'

A pair of former college roommates recently launched a business designed to help clients relax.

Mitchell Berman and Michael Weiss opened their second Massage Envy with plans for a third location early next year. Massage Envy is a therapy massage clinic that offers a membership-style business model for its clients.

The most recent clinic opened in Lake Zurich at 299 S. Rand Road in North Lake Commons near Dominick's. Earlier this year, the business partners launched their first location in Wheeling at 701 N. Milwaukee Ave., in front of the Westin Hotel. There are plans for a third in Algonquin on Randall Road.

Based in Scottsdale, Ariz., the franchise promotes frequent massage in an effort to promote a healthy lifestyle and relieving stress. "We think Massage Envy is on the cutting edge of maintaining a wellness routine. The concept is leading the industry," Berman said.

The business makes massage easy and more affordable, Berman said. The 13-room clinic is open 88 hours a week with a number of the 18 therapists on hand at all times. Berman said the employees are all nationally certified and licensed by the state of Illinois.

Relaxing music plays into the dimly lit rooms. However, it's not a spa and there are no showers or people doing nails. "It's all therapeutic massage," Berman said.

As part of the membership, clients pay $59 a month and are eligible for one 50-minute massage. An additional massage during the month costs $39. There are other membership discounts as well. The clinic offers a wide range of massages from Swedish to deep-tissue to reflexology at no additional cost.

Other area salons usually charge at least $80 for a massage and a trip to a day spa can be double that.

First time customers at Massage Envy are given the opportunity to experience a 50-minute massage for $39.

Massage Envy is the first national franchise that brings therapeutic massage to the masses, the owners say. The company has more than 300 clinics operating in the U.S. In five years, Berman expects there will be more than 800 Massage Envy facilities. "The Chicago area is the fastest growing region," Berman said.

The business partners, both 51-years-old, also own a consumer finance company based in Chicago. Berman, who grew up in Skokie and Weiss, a native on Highland Park, first met while roommates at Washington State University in St. Louis.

The men, who both have families in Buffalo Grove, wanted to promote the wellness aspects of massage.

The Lake Zurich location is hosting a grand opening from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The business is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For information about the Lake Zurich clinic, call (847) 438-9100 or the Wheeling facility at (847) 537-9500 or check out www.massagenvy.com.