At New Barbershop, Every Chair Gets a Flat Screen

Rondell McNeil, a former college football player and Pennsylvania native, never saw himself as a barbershop owner.

"My mother was a hairdresser and I grew up going with her to hair shows and competitions. We both had trophies" he laughs. “Hers for hairstyles. Mine for football.

"I only thought of hair from my mother’s world: styling women’s hair. So I got a job as a bricklayer, but after a few years I looked down at my beaten up fingers and thought, I have got to find something else to do. I guess all those years with my mom seeped through because I decided to open a barbershop. I started out small, in Pennsylvania, and grew the business, taking the profits from one store and using it as capital to open the next.

And his barbershop, which recently opened across from the  on Main Street, is clearly a new and different type of place. 

In The Cut Barbershop is stylized and spacious, with a pool table and areas for Xbox games on projection screen TVs. Every barber chair has its own flat screen TV and each customer is greeted at the door with an offer of water and chips.

McNeil says he has a very specific vision for his business:

"You know when you cook a good meal for family and friends and as everyone is eating, you sit back and look around the table and see the glory in their faces? That is what I want from my barbershop. I want that look. My idea is to create a family-centered place that makes you feel at home."

Over the years McNeil built up nine stores with his signature style. Then last year, when some friends moved to Pinellas County, McNeil thought Florida would be a perfect spot for another shop. He came down to the area and scouted for locations. He found Dunedin on his last day in the area. It was perfect. He loves the area and can’t wait for the summer so he can enjoy all the attractions with his 9-year-old son.

In The Cut offers haircuts, fades, coloring and styling for men, women and children. Kids cuts (15 and under) are $8 on Tuesdays. It also offers weekly discounts to military, government, students and veterans. Walk-ins are always welcome.

In The Cut is also hiring experienced barbers and stylists. Contact the store for more information.

Get a “Grade A Fade” or styled by Ceci and then review it on Patch.

Want to go?

• Where: In The Cut, 1143 Main St.
• Contact: 727-239-7813
• Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.