'Back to the Future' at Barker’s
Under New Ownership, Hilliard’s Historic Barber Shop Balances Tradition and Modern Updates
When stepping into Barker’s Barber Shop on Main Street in Old Hilliard, a block away from freshly minted Center Street Market, it takes only a little effort to imagine you’ve stepped out of Doc Brown’s gull-winged DeLorean.
The wood paneling, floor tile, small-screen televisions and chairs would look authentic in a movie setting where Richard Nixon was president.
It wasn’t until this year, as a concession to modernity, that credit cards were accepted and customers could book an appointment in advance.
But the old-school barbershop won’t lose all its 20th-Century charm, according to new owners James and Lisa Lentz, of Galena.
“It’s a fine line to walk but keeping a classic feel is our goal,” James Lentz said about maintaining the throwback image many current customers enjoy but also making the barbershop competitive on Main Street.
Some adjustments have focused on added flexibility: No longer a cash only business, a credit card kiosk was added this year and now appointments are encouraged in lieu of the former walk-in-only policy. Traditionally, customers could only pop their head in or even call the barbershop to gauge the wait-time at any given moment.
There are also architectural upgrades coming inside the barbershop, in addition to operational.
The floor of the nearly century-old, 650-foot square structure at 4039 Main Street is uneven and will be replaced, Lentz said.
The drywall and paneling inside will also be replaced, Lentz said, and exterior upgrades will also be made.
It is possible a fourth seat, or station, will be added if the floors space can be reconfigured to allow for it.
The staffing at the barbershop will remain the same but Lisa Lentz, who has been working in the salon and hair care profession for 15 years, will join day to day operations.
Lisa has most recently cut at the highly regarded Moses Barber & Groom, in Columbus’ German Village, and is also real estate agent.
A timetable for the renovations is not clear while the new owners develop a budget with contractors but is likely to begin early next year, making use of the city’s facade improvement grant and with some of the projects requiring a short-term closure, Lentz said.
The couple purchased the barbershop in March when a real-estate broker called them, Lentz said.
“Hilliard actually chose us,” he said.
The former owner, Mike Barker, retired from working at the barbershop almost 10 years ago, but his staff continued to operate it.
When it came time to sell, Barker wanted it to remain a barber shop, leading to the call from the real estate broker to James and Lisa Lentz, whom the broker correctly predicted would have an interest in continuing its operation as a barbershop.
According to the Hilliard Historical Society, the building has been a barbershop since the early 1900s.
“We want to add to the value and keep the charm that’s always been there. The people have been so welcoming here and we feel so lucky to be a part of this vibrant, growing community in downtown Hilliard,” Lisa Lentz said about locating in Old Hilliard.
Since ownership has changed, a name change is also probable, James Lentz said.
“But that’s still up in the air and we haven’t decided,” he said.
While the barbershop will continue to specialize in men’s haircuts, women and children are welcome.
Barker’s Barber Shop is open Monday through Saturday to walk-ins and appointments, which can be made by calling 614-876-6152 or via the new online portal at https://www.phorest.com/salon/barkersbarbershop