It’s one of those old-fashioned barber shops, a one-man operation with a swirling striped poll out front. Don’t expect to get a manicure here. But people can once again come in for a haircut
For the first time in 14 weeks, Rick’s Barber Shop is open for business.
“It feels wonderful to be back,” said owner Rick Aten, an Oakmont resident. “The phone hasn’t stopped ringing since 5:30 last night.”
Rick’s devoted customers have been overwhelming him with visits and calls to see how soon they can schedule a haircut. “When do you want to come in? I got a packed shop,” he tells a caller.
Indeed several men waited Friday in a small outer area of the tiny shop. The waiting area is separated by a clear, plastic shower curtain from the two barber chairs situated toward the back wall of the shop.
Atenexpects to keep the curtain up for the next 18 months.
“It’s been terrible for us business folks. We didn’t ask for this. It is what it is,” Aten said. He has just finished giving a 30ish looking blonde haired customer a flat top.
“Don’t ever color your hair,” he advises him. “Good to see you again. God bless.”
Aten is a two-time cancer survivor who recently underwent heart surgery. But he says he is on his feet six days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. He can’t afford to take more than a one day off a week.
“I’m backlogged for three weeks,” he said.
