A third-generation barber has re-opened a Governors Avenue shop he closed about 10 years ago because of his wife’s health problems.

Richard Kobza Jr. said he wanted to return to trimming hair when his wife’s condition improved and took a moment to answer a few questions about his business.

Why did you decide to open this business?

I worked as an auto mechanic for 30 years, and when I got tired of that, I decided to take over my father’s business. He had owned a shop in different locations throughout Dover and had worked in this building until I took over the business in 1993. When my wife had an aneurism, and her care began to take up more of my time, I closed the shop in 2002. What I like about being a barber is talking with my customers. Everyone’s got a story to tell. You hear all kinds of nostalgic stuff and a lot of opinions, too. I missed my customers when I was closed. 

What unique products and services does your business offer?

We’re just a straight barbershop that offers haircuts for $12 and give a $1 discount for senior citizens. There’s not any hairstyle that I like to give more than any other, and I just like for the customer to tell me what he wants.

Your shop has a unique atmosphere. Can you tell me about some of the objects you have displayed?

I have these brimmed hats hanging along the top of the wall, and they were given to my family by customers. Some of them date back to the 1960s, and I like them because they mark the history of the customer. I have more of them, but I’m too lazy too hang more hat hooks on the top of the wall.

All the barber chairs were made in the late 1950s and have been reupholstered. In the glass case, I have some of the old scissors and razors that were used by my family. My father and my grandfather were both barbers, and I’m the third generation. My daughter also has a shop in Milford, and I’m hoping we’ll have a fourth and fifth generation that will work with hair as well.

For More Information

ADDRESS 1536 S. Governors Ave., Dover

HOURS 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday

PHONE 674-1983