The barber shop on Alexandria’s Broadway changed its name and slogan prior to its reopening June 1. It’s now Tacker’s Barber Shop, and they say, “We fix home haircuts.”
“We’ve seen some doozies already,” new owner Jeff Tacker said.
Kyle Nelson, former owner of Kyle’s Barber Shop, retired in January. The shop was family-owned for more than a half century. Tacker started working there 15 years ago, so he took over as owner when Nelson left. Jesse Trujillo is the newest barber shop employee.
“Jesse’s really good at some of these younger styles,” Tacker said. “A lot of people seem to think a barbershop is for old guys, but it’s really not. We can cover many generations of haircuts. If they have hair, we can cut it.”
The shop has maintained a similar appearance to its original look from 1969, so Tacker decided to remodel. He purchased new sinks, chairs and flooring, but he saved the antique ceiling.
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Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the shop can only allow half its typical occupancy, causing Tacker and Trujillo to work longer hours to fit in all appointments. They have to let sanitation solutions sit on the chairs between each customer.
“I’d love for everything to be back open 100 percent,” Trujillo said. “That’s the only downside of everything, but hopefully eventually step two and step three we can get back to normal. Or the new normal, anyway.”
Even though the shop’s physical appearance has changed, Tacker said he wants to follow Nelson’s lead and maintain the heart of the business.
“We want to continue that tradition and make sure our customers know that they’re going to be taken care of,” Tacker said.
The barber shop became a more musical spot when the Guitar Shoppe moved in next door in 2014. Some people just come to listen, even if they got their haircut the day before.
Nelson bought a guitar and took lessons at the neighboring shop. Tacker stored his bass guitar at the barber shop so the two could play together throughout the day.
“They’re our buddies,” Tacker said. “The Guitar Shoppe and us, they’re like brothers.”
Customers caught wind of this atmosphere, so other local musicians started singing and playing their instruments there, too. The door connecting the two shops rarely closes.
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“Everybody’s really understanding,” Trujillo said. “It’s like one big family.”
