Classic Barbershop Coming to Historic Stretch of Washington Street

Coming this spring, a new barbershop will recreate an old feel. National chain V's Barbershop will open its 16th and first east coast location at 1114 Washington Street.

Jamie Emma, owner of the Hoboken franchise, said the shop will set to recreate the feel of a classic barbershop with renovated vintage seats and services such as shoe shines and hot lather shaves. Emma said he hopes the location will serve as a gathering spot for regulars and neighbors to talk sports and other things, and also a place where fathers can bond with sons.

“We want that father and son experience,” Emma said. “This is where a son can feel like a big boy.”

The chain began in Arizona in 1999 when founder Jim Valenzuela wanted to give his young son that very same bonding experience. The first V's Barbershop was followed by several more locations in Arizona, as well as in California, Washington, Texas, Missouri and Indiana.

Like Valenzuela, Emma is not a barber by trade. He owned an IT consulting business catering to the pharmaceutical industry.

He came to discover V's Barbershop by chance. He was in Arizona, jointly for business and to also visit relatives, when he asked his in-laws where he could get a haircut before a big meeting. They suggested he visit V's.

“I walked in and saw what they were going for, trying to recreate an old fashioned barbershop from New York,” Emma said. “I said let me bring this back to where this concept was born.”

Emma grew up in New Jersey and visited Hoboken often, including working at the Johnny Rockets diner. He said he is happy to open his classic themed barbershop in a particularly historic stretch of Washington Street, sandwiched between longtime businesses and . Eighty year old is also on the street.

“I'm thrilled with the location,” Emma said. “You just feel like this is where you want this place be.”

Emma said he expects to open in the spring after renovating the vacant space. He plans to hire five barbers and one shoe shine attendant, and is in the process of interviewing applicants.

“The barbers are going to run the shop,” Emma said. He added that he's looking for barbers with the right character to develop close relationships with customers.

Prices at V's Barbershop will run $25 for adults, $16 for children and $17 for seniors. Police officers, firefighters and veterans can get an additional 20% off, and Emma said the shop will also offer discounts to father and son combinations of all ages.

Coming soon: Midtown Authentic completes its move, and a big gym comes to Washington Street.

The Business Beat covers businesses opening, closing, renovating, relocating and celebrating anniversaries in the Mile Square. Have a Hoboken related business tip? Send an email to alanskontra@hotmail.com.