The Katonah Barber Shop

They hail from the Republic of Georgia and now spend their days cutting, shaving and trimming hair in Katonah. The Katonah Barber Shop has been at the same location on Katonah Avenue for forty years and has been owned and operated by Peter Suyunov for the last twelve. Along with Alex Fayziev and David Davidov, the trio has come to love the area and people of Bedford and surrounding towns.
 
Where do you all live?
We live in Queens, NY and commute six days a week to our shop here.
 
How long have you been cutting hair?
Alex: I have been at it continuously for forty-five years!
Peter: In my country, I had a barber shop with thirty chairs and I come from a whole family of barbers.  My father cut hair for fifty years.  Me, already twenty-five years.
 
What do you think of this town?
Peter: I think this is a nice, quiet town. There is less foot traffic than a few years ago. I'd like to see more businesses open up. Our customers are friendly, good people - they come from all over: Katonah, Somers, Pound Ridge, Cross River, Bedford, South Salem. We get lots of walk-ins from the train station across the street. Finance people, doctors, athletes, lawyers, etc.

Have hairstyles changed much?
Peter: I have definitely noticed that boys are keeping their hair longer. They come in for a haircut but many really want to keep it quite long!  And recently with the downturn in the economy, people are going longer in between cuts. It used to be that regulars came every two to three weeks, now it is every four to six weeks. They do love the hot shave though, it is very popular.

How many cuts do you do per day?
Alex and Peter: On a very busy day, each of us can do two or three cuts an hour, though we try not to do more than two. Saturday and Sundays are the busiest.

What is your favorite part of the job?
Alex: I like the people. I love watching the kids grow up. I enjoy seeing all my customers. I like this town, full of families and beautiful, good people.
 
Can I have a lollipop?
Sure.