Barber Bob finds new Manhattan home

Bob Hayes has been a familiar face in Manhattan for many years working as a barber and staying in touch with the hair needs of Manhattan men for many years.

Hayes has now opened his own barber shop in town.

Barber Bob's Cutting Zone is a place for the guys and their kids to go and get their hair cut.

Barber Bob's new shop at 325 S. State St. has a lot of history behind it.

"Jake Henry owned and operated a barber shop in this building during the 1940s and '50s I'm told," Hayes said. "Barber Jerry Krebs took over until he retired in the mid-1970s."

The location has seen a variety of businesses come and go over the years.

"Its like coming home," Hayes said as he proudly showed his new shop. "I felt it was time to get my own place and the timing is right. It's been crazy busy so far."

The place is definitely for the guys with Muscle Car and Automobile Magazines replace the traditional Vogue and Family Circle.

"Generations of men and boys have grown up with the barber shop tradition," Hayes said.

"Its time to bring back the traditional barber shop to Manhattan," he added, "where a father and son can come on a Saturday morning to get their hair cut."

The 650-square-foot building is the perfect size with some room to spare.

"I have two chairs although I'll be working alone until demand picks up," Hayes explained. "But I have extra room for expansion should I decide to do so."

Hayes has been cutting hare since 1974 when he started barber school in Joliet.

"In high school they had a career day when a man came in from the barber college to talk, I was sold," Hayes said.

Barber Bob's officially opened Nov. 3 at 325 S. State St. in Manhattan.

Barber Bob's Cutting Zone's hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

For an appointment call 815-478-9608.