As an alternative spa-goer, you're familiar with LA ethnic spas. Consider Korean day spas and Thai massage centers. The Indian spa/salon capitalizes on American fascination with the subcontinent and on the rapidly growing market for health and beauty products and services. Given the rising popularity of yoga mat classes, henna tattoos, and threading services, this idea is particularly timely.
EMBA teammates can conduct market research on services that contribute to the success of ethnic spas, market demand for "uniquely" Indian services (i.e., post-natal care or Ayurvedic treatments), and the optimal location for a spa in the greater Los Angeles area.
The best part? Market research will involve visits to existing local spas!
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I heard that Indian Spa in SFO (based on Ayurvedit spa treatment methods) is becoming popular.
Yes! The Chopra Center http://www.chopra.com/home.aspx is also very popular (but more upscale). I am thinking of something priced for the masses. For example, day spa rates at the Olympic Spa (Korean) http://www.olympicspala.com/ are $15, while a 50-minute Thai massage runs about $40 at Pho Siam http://www.phosiam.com/.
I like the idea. There is potential to supplement revenues with the sale of ethnic products: food, ornamental clothing, etc.
Good idea and easily tested. As an intriguing experiment you could get a chair, go to a local corner and offer a $2 Indian Hand Massage. See what kind of response/feedback you get and use the hand massage profits to buy the massage table.