Cody and Ariel Waters are bringing a unique concept to downtown Owensboro with their new business, Mancave for Men Barber Shop. The upscale barbershop, scheduled to open in March, will combine traditional grooming services with upscale amenities such as bourbon and cigars and a relaxed atmosphere, the couple said.
The store is located at 234 Frederica Street, Suite 2, right next to Ruoff Mortgage.
Cody, a barber with two years of experience, said the franchise, which started in Boca Raton, Fla., in 2011, caters to men ages 8 to 80. The franchise was founded on the idea of offering men a more advanced grooming experience, according to the site. A man who fills the niche between a simple barber shop and a high-end salon.
“There’s nothing like this here,” Cody said. “We wanted to create a space where men could relax, get a haircut, and enjoy additional services such as a bourbon bar and spa services.”
With locations across the country, Mancave Concepts offers everything from haircuts and shaves to complete luxury spa services such as facials and manscaping, all in an upscale environment. Franchise founder Emad Aobida launched the business after seeing a need for high-end grooming options designed specifically for men.
Cody said Mancave stores are known for their unique aesthetic, which combines vintage wood trimmings, leather and chrome barber chairs, and modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions. He added that each customer will be greeted with drink options such as beer, wine and coffee while enjoying the space.
Mancave for Men offers a variety of grooming options, and each service includes a hot towel and shampoo. The store will also include a spa room where guests can receive facials and other relaxation services.
“It’s more than just a haircut,” Cody said. “We provide an experience where men can feel at home.”
The barbershop will include five barber chairs, two shampoo stations on each side of the 1,600-square-foot space, and a bourbon-themed bar in the center. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be available.
“Kentucky is bourbon country, so we will focus on bourbon bars, but we will also have beer, wine and options for non-drinkers,” Cody said.
The Waters said they chose downtown for its atmosphere and central location. They believe that this is the perfect place to attract both professionals and tourists.
“Owensboro is growing and there’s a lot of foot traffic downtown,” Cody said. “We wanted a location that was convenient for everyone, whether they were coming from the East End or the West End.”
Ariel, who has 10 years of experience in the hair industry, will be responsible for the bookkeeping and operations of the business. The store is part of a franchise of 24 stores nationwide, but the couple stressed they are focused on hiring local staff.
“We plan to hire 10 local barbers,” Ariel said. “Franchising helps with marketing, but everything else remains local.”
The barbershop offers appointment, walk-in, and membership packages, allowing customers to pay a flat fee for multiple visits.
“Reservations are best for busy schedules, but we like to be flexible,” Cody said. “We want to make it easy for everyone to use, whether they’re walking in or stopping by for a drink.”
The Waters hope to open the barbershop in early March, depending on construction progress.
“This is more than just a place to get a haircut,” Cody said. “It’s about creating a space where men can relax, hang out and enjoy some time to themselves.”
