New barbershop opens in Batavia

BATAVIA – The 1920s-era barbershop chairs help make Beardsgaard Barbers look and feel like an old-time barbershop.

“We are doing it really right with a little bit of modern sensibilities,” said owner Natalie Anderson.

Beardsgaard Barbers, at 117 S. Batavia Ave. in downtown Batavia, opened for business Tuesday. The shop is run by Anderson and her husband, Tyler.

Tuesday was busier than expected, Natalie Anderson said.

“We had 18 people on the first day,” she said. “We were expecting more like six.”

She previously worked at a barbershop in the Wicker Park neighborhood in Chicago, where she was known as a “big beard specialist.” Natalie Anderson said the time was right for the couple to open the barbershop.

She emphasized that they are barbers, not stylists.

“Barbers can shave with a straight razor,” she said.

Batavia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Holly Deitchman said Beardsgaard Barbers is a welcome addition to downtown.

“They are very quirky and unique,” Deitchman said. “They are working very hard at not being the same. I can’t wait to see how successful they are.”

Before being able to open the business, the couple had to upgrade the building, including installing plumbing. Although Anderson did not know exactly how old the building is, she said the building housed a pharmacy in 1890.

To raise the money needed for the improvements, the couple launched a fundraising campaign. Anderson said there is about a week left in the campaign.

The name Beardsgaard Barbers reflects her husband's heritage.

“Tyler is mostly Norwegian,” Anderson said. “We have a special affinity for the Norwegian culture.”

The shop provides a full range of services, including beard trims, haircuts, head or face shaves and waxing. In addition, Beardsgaard Barbers sells annual shave, haircut and beard memberships.

“A haircut is such a special thing,” Anderson said. “You feel like a freshly groomed puppy afterwards. We just want to make people feel like they are the best versions of themselves.”

Information about Beardsgaard Barbers is available online at www.beardsgaardbarbers.com.