Barbershop in South San Francisco is Buzzing

Nestled in a strip mall along El Camino Real is 1620 Barber Shop. The place has been there for decades but now with new owner Quang Choi, it has definitely become “The South City Barber Shop” where many men young and old like to go. And from the reviews on Yelp.com it is because Choi and his staff know how to please and do “the styles” just right.

When this reporter first stopped by upon the recommendation of chiropractor David Ressler of Ressler Chiropractic, back in November the place was busy. Every chair was filled. This time on a Monday I went in the late morning, the shop was quiet and Choi was available not only to cut hair but to chat and tell his story to the Peninsula Progress. 

An alumni of Lowell High School, Choi said he got into cutting hair as a way to save money so he and his friends could go out on Friday and Saturday nights. “Of course I was too young to go out to the clubs but me and my friends liked to go for pizza, movies, and I was always trying to find ways to save money or make a little money.”

Cutting hair for friends first started that way as simply a way to save some money. Yet, as Choi got better and better at it, more of his friends kept asking for hair cuts. He soon discovered a skill and as he said. “Lowell provided opportunities where students could learn a trade or skill. I chose hair cutting and styling.” 

His parents were not as thrilled. They wanted him to be a lawyer or doctor. Yet as Choi explained, “I wanted to follow a career in something that I enjoyed doing,” he said. Pursing the path was hard work and Choi learned he had to have another career or profession to help support his initial goal. “So, I learned a bit about real estate. Yet it was a hair stylist opportunity that got to Las Vegas,” he said. An opportunity sprang up and he jumped at it. Choi established himself on South Decatur Blvd, where there are live music venues. That is how the shop got it’s name, from the street address of Choi’s shop in Las Vegas. 

Choi is proud of the fact that his barber and styling skills cater to “those who want to look outstanding when they go ‘club-ing,'” he said. And so, being near those night spots in Las Vegas helped him build his clientele. Yet he was home-sick for the Bay Area. “Working so much I realized that I like being in this business more than simply cutting hair.” With the shop in Las Vegas established he came back to San Francisco with the intention of just only working part time in a shop. 

Then he stumbled across the shop Southwood Barber Shop on El Camino Real near West Orange Ave. “Benny Lonado was the owner then and he wanted to retire.” Choi said that he made an arrangement with Lonado to work just a couple of days each week. “But when Benny presented an offer that was hard to refuse, I decided to take it,” he said. 

In 2009 Choi took over and since that time he has been busy. “I know the styles, especially the ‘hip-hop’ and when a customer is not sure, I have a chart,” he said as he pointed to the wall. Choi is hoping to find more barbers to keep up with the demand. 

Most of the reviews on Yelp.com mention “how hard it is to find a good barber.” Especially someone like Mish Eddie G, he notes that there are three things a good barbershop must have first is quality of the haircut, second is price and the third is cleanliness of the shop. “I was very impressed,” he said. With more than over a dozen five-star accolades Choi and his crew have loyal customers who return or make referrals, such as Ressler Chiropractic did. While Choi is not always able to please all, “I aim to please as much as I can,” he said. 

Open six days a week, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, 1620 Barber Shop at 667 El Camino Real is cash only. Sorry no credit or ATM cards. 

“Fridays and Saturday’s we are very busy,” said Choi. For more information visit www.1620barbershop.com or call 650-583-0716.