Steve Marks took over Carroll Gardens barbershop Sal's in 2010, revamping the old-fashioned space form a quaint time capsule into a shop he knew would fit in nicely with the neighborhood's adult-hipster vibe. In the era of Mad Men mania, old-timey cocktail bars galore and our current general pop obsession with all things retro, that meant changing very little. Marks kept the shops original barber chairs and most of its original decor (including a faded '60s mural of a tropical seascape), hired a roster of carefully-picked stylists and threw in complimentary Brooklyn Lagers for patrons to sip while getting a trim. Persons of Interest was such a hit that Marks just opened another shop in Williamsburg and, here, we chat with him about his new shop and why it holds its own among similar establishments around town.
How long has your Williamsburg location been open?
We opened just before Christmas. I bet at business school they'd tell you never to open right before the holidays and especially during the winter. I like the challenge though. Dudes need haircuts no matter what the season is and, until now, I'm not sure where dudes in the area went for cuts.
What do you think Persons of Interest offers that other Brooklyn/Williamsburg barbershops don't?
Well, there aren't really any other barbershops in the Williamsburg that offer exceptional haircuts in a comfortable environment. Our cuts are $42 which is pretty modest given the level of expertise of our staff. We take appointment as well as walk-ins. Haircuts comes with a Brooklyn Lager.
And what's the response been like?
The response has been great. Everyone loves the space. Many guys are already familiar with our shop in Carroll Gardens. All the dudes I've spoken to are very glad to finally have a good barbershop in the area. Williamsburg is awash in salons but no guy wants to get his hair cut while the woman next to him is getting her head wrapped in foil.
Do you have a mural in this location, too?
Our "mural" this time is a vintage office door from the '50s that we installed and surrounded with glass panels. We leave the light on at night behind the glass and it glows from the street. It's pretty arresting.
Persons of Interest, Williamsburg: 84 Havemeyer St., (718) 218-9100.
How long has your Williamsburg location been open?
We opened just before Christmas. I bet at business school they'd tell you never to open right before the holidays and especially during the winter. I like the challenge though. Dudes need haircuts no matter what the season is and, until now, I'm not sure where dudes in the area went for cuts.
What do you think Persons of Interest offers that other Brooklyn/Williamsburg barbershops don't?
Well, there aren't really any other barbershops in the Williamsburg that offer exceptional haircuts in a comfortable environment. Our cuts are $42 which is pretty modest given the level of expertise of our staff. We take appointment as well as walk-ins. Haircuts comes with a Brooklyn Lager.
And what's the response been like?
The response has been great. Everyone loves the space. Many guys are already familiar with our shop in Carroll Gardens. All the dudes I've spoken to are very glad to finally have a good barbershop in the area. Williamsburg is awash in salons but no guy wants to get his hair cut while the woman next to him is getting her head wrapped in foil.
Do you have a mural in this location, too?
Our "mural" this time is a vintage office door from the '50s that we installed and surrounded with glass panels. We leave the light on at night behind the glass and it glows from the street. It's pretty arresting.
Persons of Interest, Williamsburg: 84 Havemeyer St., (718) 218-9100.