THE NEIGHBORHOOD BARBERSHOP IS BACK – AND BETTER THAN EVER!

I must to the barber’s, monsieur; for methinks I am marvellous hairy about the face, and …if my hair do but tickle me, I must scratch.
-William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

A shave and a haircut are suddenly back in style!

During the 1960’s, American culture was turned upside down. Sure, some of the changes were necessary and important, but a few of them were absolutely wrong with a capital “W.” One of those things was definitely the decline of the barbershop.

When those of us over a certain age were kids (you know who you are!), there was no question where you’d go to get your hair cut – the barber. You’d see the men get a straight razor shave, you’d smell the hair tonic in the air, catch the game on the radio or TV if there was one, and listen to everyone shoot the you-know-what about everything and anything. Saturday morning at the barbershop was definitely the place to be – everybody knew everybody and it was an awesome experience to be a part of.

Somewhere in the 70’s, guys suddenly started showing up at beauty parlors and salons, of all places, to get their hair “styled”. Not only that, but unisex chop shop franchises began popping up at every corner – cookie cutter places with under qualified personnel that had no personality and truly crappy and/or out-dated women’s magazines to read in the waiting area.

Meanwhile, the barbershop businesses began displaying “For Sale” signs in their front windows more prominently than their operating hours. It suddenly seemed strange to even think about going to one – it was considered an endangered species, just like the general store or the malt shop. In one huge period of decline, the number of American barbershops went down by over a quarter as recently as between 1997 and 2001.

Well, like the resurgence of the 50’s diner a few years ago, some great things DO eventually come back into style and the barbershop experience is one of them. In recent months, major celebrities such as Will Smith, Rudy Giuliani, and Toby McGuire have extolled the virtues of the barbershop straight-razor shave – with Sting and David Letterman even getting them live onstage during their respective shows (just do a quick search on YouTube to take a look!). Quality magazines such as Forbes have also done features on the barbershop comeback.

And that’s why the hot new barbershop franchise business, Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club®, was born. The four founders of Kennedy’s: Chris Hurn, Tony Zara, J.W. Dicks Esq. and Nick Nanton Esq., saw an opportunity to bring back a beloved institution and freshen it up with modern touches, such as complimentary beverage service and new grooming products, that would appeal to today’s “distinguished gentlemen”. They wanted to create a place where guys could once again gather comfortably and be in their element.

And, of course, there’s the allure of the straight-razor shave afforable – a tradition that had become so out of date, that it’s now a newfound and welcome luxury. Most men these days have never been shaven by anyone except themselves – and are surprised by how much of a relaxing, comfortable and feel-good experience it is.

“It’s difficult for a professional guy, or any guy for that matter, to find the straight-razor shave,” commented Hurn. “It’s a dying art form in America, and we’re giving it a ‘Renaissance’.” But now, thanks to the Kennedy’s concept, it’s no longer on life support – and patrons can count on getting it done right, from an experienced licensed barber who definitely knows how to give the closet shave of your life.

Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club® offers multi-leveled memberships at its locations that feature varying discounts and additional services on top of unlimited Signature Haircuts and straight-razor shaves. Walk-ins from non-members are also available. For information on Kennedy’s Barber Club locations and information on how to buy into this hot new franchise, visit the Kennedy’s website at www.kennedysbarberclub.com .

If there’s a Kennedy’s in your area, check it out for yourself – and you’ll see how they indeed live up to their guarantee – The Best Haircut and Straight-Razor Shave You’ve Ever Had, or it’s Free™!

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