Bringing the “Desert Sun” to Silverdale

For those seeking a golden tan just in time for summer, Desert Sun tanning salon is now open in the heart of Silverdale.

Located in the Towne Centre complex off Silverdale Way, the new hot spot features 11 tanning beds (with room for six more) ranging from conventional and medium pressure to super-high pressure. For similar results without the UV rays, Desert Sun features the increasingly popular Mystic Tan.

“It’s one of our most popular,” said Silverdale Desert Sun co-owner Bobby Lobato. “The results look very good as long as you follow the instructions.”

With 69 locations in Western Washington, the franchise is rapidly growing, according to Lobato who owns the Silverdale and Gig Harbor locations with business partners Bryan Meade and Ed Lacross.

Friends with Meade since they both attended South Kitsap High School, the trio saw an opportunity for success.

“We had a few other friends who opened (tanning salons) and were doing fairly well,” Lobato said. “We decided to get a piece of the action.”

An added convenience, tanning packages may be used at all Desert Sun locations, including at the new East Bremerton store, owned by a separate franchisee.

“You can use your tans at any of the locations,” Lobato said.

With many competitors in the area, Lobato says there are numerous advantages to tanning at Desert Sun. Besides the fact that all beds are brand new, maintenance is a top priority.

“Corporate makes sure all beds are maintained,” Lobato said. “There’s a level of accountability.”

Desert Sun also encourages moderation and provides a controlled environment. In keeping safety at the forefront, patrons can only tan once per day.

“Being overexposed is not something you want to do,” Lobato said. “You don’t want to cause them harm.”

All new customers are required to fill out safety forms which determine how much exposure is suitable for their skin type.

“Most employees are smart-tan certified,” Lobato said.

He describes the certification as classes which employees attend to learn the proper rules and safety regulations.

Current specials at Silverdale’s Desert Sun include one month of unlimited tanning for $9.99 and one-year unlimited for $149.99 and will be offered through May 9. Customers who refer a friend will receive a $20 credit and the friend receives a free week of tanning. All specials are good for conventional beds, but customers do have the option of upgrading.

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