Photo by Noah Kelly
Settled right in the middle of Bixby Knolls’ shopping and entertainment district, Esquire Grooming Barber Shop is taking a modern look at an old standby. Owner Adrian Teal’s sensibilities shine through in this sleek and minimalist styled barber shop, which opened its doors on October 6. Esquire is an open, well lit and professional looking establishment, which Teal felt “would reach a broader demographic,” than other similar businesses sprouting up throughout the city.
“Anybody can come here,” he says, “from very young to old.” Teal’s aim was to create an environment that was very sociable—a place he would want to go to have a hair cut. “Some of the other barbershops can be a little intimidating,” Teal says.
But Teal isn’t just looking to have a barbershop, he’s looking to have a new home. Having just immigrated from Australia, Teal found Bixby Knolls to be the perfect place for not just his establishment, but for his family as well.
“I want to have a very strong presence in the community,” he says. “We’re already participating in First Fridays, and fundraising with St. Barnabus School.” Teal also plans on being part of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association.
Teal has high hopes for the American economy, which is exactly why he decided to bring his entrepreneur skills to California instead of staying in Australia. “I looked all around the world for a place,” he says. “I just felt more confidence in the American economy in the long term. A much more positive outlook.”
This confidence spills from him readily, and it shows in his business. Esquire is stocked full of American made equipment, and even locally sourced cabinetry. Teal is also always on the lookout for local talent as well. Currently hanging in up in Esquire are several photographs from local artist Carlo Cruz, of his Beat Boy series. “Anything local, we support,” he says, noting that his shop has also hosted musicians playing during special events like First Fridays.
“The community is what brought us here. It has everything that L.A. has to offer, but nicer,” he says with a laugh. “There is a pride of Long Beach.”
While Esquire has just started, Teal has plans already in motion for the future. He intends to increase his staff of barbers by the middle of November, and already has the facilities prepared for even more extensive male grooming, including waxing. But he doesn’t want to be classified as a male-only place, just somewhere that offers primarily shorter, barber-style haircuts for anyone who wants them.
Walking down Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls, you’ll more than likely run into Teal on the sidewalk chatting up locals. He prides Esquire on being a social place where people can come chat, have a good time and leave feeling great. “Good customer service, quality product, and affordable rates, that’s all you need,” Teal says.
Teal sees the American economy turning around and he is in it for the long haul. Bixby Knolls and its community was just the place he felt would be perfect for him, his family and Esquire.
“Why wouldn’t you want to come to a place that supports businesses?” he says.
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Esquire Grooming Barber Shop is located at 4240 Atlantic Ave., (562) 612-3801. The company’s website has not been updated since before the shop opened. Its Yelp page lists store hours.