Barber shop wants to grow with Columbus Park

barber.tif

A cut above. From left, Mitch Wood and Eric Barnhart of Fifth Street Barbershop in Columbus Park want to help their clients choose the right look for them. Joe Jarosz

By Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
October 15, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Eric Barnhart has big plans for his barber shop.

Even though Fifth Street Barbershop, located in Columbus Park at 913 E. Fifth St., is less than a year old, Barnhart had been thinking of opening the shop for years.

So his list of ideas on where to take it next is long and well thought out.

“I’ve waited a long time to have a men’s grooming place so I want to keep adding on,” Barnhart said. “I want a haberdashery with a social club mix.”

He explained that he’s starting to team up more with small, local businesses such as the Local Pig or The North End, for a referral network. Mitch Wood, who works for Barnhart at the shop, said they want to be the hub for men’s culture.

“If you need a place to get shoes, clothes, an oil change or a good restaurant for a date, it’s our responsibility to keep our ears to the ground to be able to help those who come in,” Wood said.

The shop isn’t just going to expand its network, either. The two-room barber shop has plans to grow beyond the confines of its current look, as well. Barnhart said eventually, he’d like to be able to knock some walls down, extend back and add lounge chairs, a pool table and a couple pinball machines, as well as showcase a few options of different style suits, “to give guys an idea what’s hot this season.”

“I’ve been waiting on the male grooming movement to take off,” Barnhart said. “I thought about opening the barber shop about five years ago, but that would’ve been too early. So I’m glad I waited until now.”

Although this is his first barber shop, he also owns Groom Salon in North Kansas City. Barnhart, a second generation barber whose been in the industry for 25 years now, selected the Columbus Park location because of its ties to his family. And because his parents gave back to the community, he’s hoping to do the same.

“I’m down for guys that have been struggling, trying to find a job and might need a haircut that can help get that job,” Barnhart said. “I’ll give it to you. I want to be a part of the community. I gotta give back. My parents gave a lot to the community and I want to carry that torch but want to do it my way.”

The duo also want to show that they’re more than just the basic barber shop. Barnhart said he calls the shop a different breed of barber because they’re deep in their traditions but still try to instill a modern approach, as well.

“For us, its about taking something that seems very basic as a service but taking pride in what we do as a craft and art form,” Wood said. “We don’t give haircuts, we make them. We individualize them and are serious about what we do as barbers. It’s more than just the craft, because we’re building relationships with people in our chairs and giving them a place to relax and feel comfortable.”

Wood said the shop’s full-service haircuts include a hot towel shave and a massage. But, more importantly, each customer gets consultation, “which we take seriously, to help guys figure out what kind of haircut and style they want.”

“The process and experience is a lot difference than any other place in town,” Wood said.

“It’s a barber shop but we’re just trying to give it a fresh approach,” Barnhart said.

Fifth Street Barbershop is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday and welcome walk-ins or appointments. Barnhart said they can also be flexible with their hours if an appointment is made.

 

Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!
Enter your email address and click on the Get Instant Access button.
We respect your privacy

Comments are closed.

  • Independence Avenue – Past – Present – Future: Chestnut Intersection

    May 24th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    Independence Avenue – Past – Present – Future: Benton Intersection

    May 17th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    Independence Avenue • Past • Present • Future: Prospect Intersection

    May 10th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    The International Taste & Tour is June 2

    May 3rd, 2023
    by

    Sponsored content The 2023 International Taste and Tour on Independence Avenue is quickly approaching on June 2. The tour, hosted […]


    Independence Avenue – Past – Present – Future: Van Brunt Blvd

    April 26th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    INDEPENDENCE AVENUE PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE: SPACE BANK MINI STORAGE

    April 19th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    Independence Avenue Past, Present & Future: CSL Plasma

    April 12th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    There’s still time to file your taxes, and Liberty Tax can help!

    April 5th, 2023
    by

    Sponsored content Liberty Tax at 3414 Independence Avenue has been home to your locally-owned Northeast tax professionals for nearly a […]


    Avenue Pharmacies: Independence Avenue Past, Present & Future

    March 29th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


  • Financial Institutions on Independence Avenue

    March 22nd, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    Health Care Providers on Independence Avenue, Past – Present – Future

    March 15th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    Explore the International Marketplace with this map!

    March 8th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    Core Coffee thanks customers after one year in business

    March 8th, 2023
    by

    Abby HooverManaging Editor Core Coffee at 546 Olive St. in Pendleton Heights celebrated its first anniversary this past weekend with […]


    KC CARE Health Center: A legacy of caring

    March 1st, 2023
    by

    Sponsored content KC CARE Health Center was founded in 1971 as the Westport Free Health Clinic by a group of […]


    Independence Avenue – Past – Present – Future

    February 22nd, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    Beads, Beans & Booze!

    February 15th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    Independence Avenue: Valentine’s Day Specials

    February 8th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


    CID: At Home on Independence Avenue

    January 25th, 2023
    by

    Want Northeast News articles sent straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!Enter your email address and click on the […]


  • Want articles sent directly to your inbox each week? Subscribe below!
    We respect your privacy and will not distribute your information.