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What Others Are Saying
9/10/2008 The best haircuts in the 'Boro with the best prices - especially for us Senior Citizens on Wednesdays!
Nice web site!
Glenn Britt
Murfreesboro TN 9/20/2008 I've been coming to your shop regular for the last two years. (about 1 time a month or $180/year) In that time every person in the shop has cut my hair and the only person who hit it on the head(no pun intended!) is gone and now so am I. Today I got the best haircut I've had in 2 years at pastime barbershop.($10 bucks!!) I gave a $5 tip to match your current price because it was so good. In my opinion, your prices are too high and your quality isn't there. You do stand behind your cuts and I appreciate that aspect of your business. Also your team is nice and tries hard to please.... however the finished product is the key.
You can improve, but not with gimics or community events. Give the best haircuts at the best prices all the time to all the people and people will beat a path to the door. Until then, good luck and best wishes.
Kenny Henry 10/14/2008 I have been going to Drake's Barber Shop for about six months now, and you will find no other barber shop with a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. I have had my hair cut by every barber there, and all have done an excellent job. No hair cut is rushed and each hair cut is held to the highest standard set by each barber. I have always been greeted with a warm smile and a hello and each customer is greeted the same. I can tell that they are greatful and delighted that we have chose them for their service. Oh, did I mention that Drake's is one of the few barber shops who still use the straight razor? I have been to numerous barber's since I have moved back into the area, and I cant not stand them not using the razor, and the warm towel is a big plus. Not only does it feel good but its relaxing.
1/11/2009 I cant say enough about Drakes..I wish you guys were closer to Lebanon. Everytime I go there or I have emailed Stan he has taken the time to email me and answer me on cuts I have questions on. They are very good and hours are very good as well!! They alos do complete head shaves which I am thinking about doing next!
Thanks to the best barbers around!
Todd Jones 1/27/2009 I've been making a monthly trip to Drakes for five months now, and I have not found a better haircut yet. I make it a point to come from Franklin about once a month just to get a haircut. I shopped around the Franklin area and no one could cut a "high and tight" the way I like it, then a buddy told me about Jason and the boys and I've been making the drive ever since. Keep up the great work guys. 2/19/2009 I've been going to get my hair cut at Drakes Barber Shop since I moved down to Murfreesboro from New York 4 years ago. And to be honest I had a hard time finding a barber shop that was comparable to my old barber shop in New York. Finally, I came across Drakes and immediatly feel in love. It has a great atmosphere and offers great hair cuts at a good price. I mean come on he gives a student discount. I mainly go to Jason but all the other barbers will take the time to say hey and talk to you. Everyone there is real down to earth and easy to get along with. Keep up the good work and I'll see you guys in a couple of weeks. 6/30/2009 A Little Slice of Mayberry in Murfreesboro
By Clinton Gill
Ah, the local barber shop, the last bastion of childhood; that Saturday morning ritual where boys learn to be men by imitating their dads, talking politics and fishing to the tune of the humming clippers. The walls of Drake’s Barbershop are lined with a rich history told through trophies and local memorabilia left by its customers since opening in 1972. The establishment, located at 1117 Memorial Blvd, has become an institution in Murfreesboro and one can always find themselves in good company there. In the mornings there’s Bible study, and in the afternoons customers can catch a rerun of The Andy Griffith show while the barbers work their magic.
Robert Drake, the shop’s namesake, was a 40-year veteran of his craft. He was well known and loved in the community not only for his ability to cut hair but also for his welcoming smile and fondness for fishing stories. Dan Whittle, a former staff columnist for the Daily News Journal, once wrote about him that “Drake never let facts interfere with telling a good story.” Sadly Drake died from lung cancer in 1996. Drake’s motto was “customer first,” an adage that has transcended ownership, and is still alive and well today despite the hustle and bustle of an ever increasingly impersonal world.
Jason Rigney, 32, is the newest owner of Drake’s. He stands around 5 feet 11 inches, and just as one could expect from a barber, always looks neatly trimmed. His dazzling smile and friendly voice welcomes customers, new and old. Jason is a family man who hopes that one day his 19 month old son Cooper can take over the business.
Rigney grew up an all-American kid in Murfreesboro. His father worked for RC Cola while his mother stayed home and raised the children. In his teenage years he wrestled for Riverdale High School. Ironically he joined the Marines when he turned 17 years old because he was tired of his parents telling him what to do. He was assigned to a Motor Transport company in Twentynine Palms, but it wasn’t long before he found that he had a niche for cutting hair. He started out cutting his own, and soon his fellow soldiers were asking him to cut their hair as well. He was so good that he could charge two dollars more than what the pros were charging in town.
Rigney loved the Marine Corps and had planned on doing 20 years in the service; however, fate had different plans. “I prayed that God would show me his will,” Rigney said. In 1996 he was involved in an auto accident that sent his jeep flipping seven times down the interstate. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, which took his memory of that day and left him in a coma. The doctors said that he would never wake up. When he woke up a month later the doctors said he would never be able to talk again. When he started to talk they said he would never be able to walk again, but Jason kept proving them wrong. His recovery took about a year but he never gave up and he never lost his faith.
Rigney’s calling in life is to help others in his community, which he felt he was best suited to do so through his talent for trimming. He attended the International Barber and Style College in Madison. From there he worked for a small shop in Smyrna before fate once again knocked on his door.
Larry Clark had taken over Drake’s Barbershop after Robert passed on. He was an uncle of sorts to Jason and asked him to sub in while he was feeling ill. In 2003 Larry passed on as well, leaving the former barracks barber to take up the reins.
Rigney, who worked for Robert Drake for a time, has left the shop much the same as it was when Drake owned it. He has made some changes to keep up with a growing market though. When Drake’s first started it was one of eight barbershops in Rutherford County, now it is one of about 250. The competition has forced him to modernize; you can find them on the web at www.drakesbarbershop.com, and if you sign up as a preferred customer you’ll get a coupon for a free haircut or shave during the month of your birthday. However, Drake’s is still one of the few places that you can go to get the smoothness of a straight razor shave. It’s the best of both worlds, and kid friendly. In the backroom a toy John Deere tractor has been converted into a chair for the kids to get their cuts, and the wall of Polaroid’s chronicling first haircuts is chock-full of smiles.
Jason employs a highly competent and customer oriented staff. Stan Reed, 48, is a 17-year haircutting veteran who came back to Drake’s after stints in Lebanon and Knoxville. Steven Ballard, 25, is a favorite among MTSU students who remember him from The Chair by Greek Row. When Steven applied, Drake’s wasn’t hiring, but when he produced a walking resume to demonstrate his superb skills he got the job. Drake’s Barber Shop is all about quality: “We believe that you, the client, are walking ‘billboards’ or advertisement if you will. Your hair represents our work. We also believe that if you take care of your customer, they'll take care of you.” To prove it Drake’s offers $10 haircuts to seniors on Wednesdays, and punch cards that offer a free haircut or shave after your sixth visit.
Throughout his life Jason has wanted to help his community. The retired Marine and combat veteran is now the adjutant for the American Legion, whose primary role is community service. His dedication to country and community can be seen on the walls. The decorations are left mostly by customers: a hodgepodge of license plates and hats, trophy fish and newspaper clippings, photos and letters, and all types of military relics…there’s even a flag that was flown over Camp Victory, Iraq. Rigney wants the customers to feel part of the shop.
When asked if he’d ever cut the hair of anyone famous he replied “sure, everybody’s hair I cut is famous to me.”
8/6/2009 I have been going to Drake's Barber Shop now for about 5 years. I love the fact that they open at 6am and you can get a haircut before work if ya want. All of the barbers are down to earth and they are always friendly. The longest I have ever had to wait for a haircut is 15 minutes. Another thing I really like is that they will trim your mustache no extra charge. ( I got a thick mustache ). Thanks and keep up the good work. 9/4/2009 Well,...I`ve been going to Drake`s for ( I reckon) about two years now, and am very satisfied with the atmosphere and the service. Reed usually cuts my hair ( or, what`s left of it anyways) but, Jason does too on occasion and they both do a great job. Everybody here`s right, the straight razor is a nice touch that you just don`t see much anymore. I hope these guys are around for a long,long time, and that their business keeps growing. I always recommend
them when barbers come up in conversation. Keep up the good work fellas. Reed just cut my hair today so, see ya`ll in a couple of weeks. Ya`ll have a good-un !
Mike Parham 9/9/2009 Great haircut as always!I have been a customer for 5+ years now,and have always been happy with the outstanding service. 10/8/2009 My 2 year old son absolutely loved the John Deere tractor. But I have to admit the haircut was incredible my son. Jason also gave me the single best hair cut I have ever had. It is very apparent that something is very right about Drakes Barber Shop. The whole world needs to know what a nice person you are in addition to the top notch service you gave us. My wife is very exacting about everthing. ( the past math teacher inside her ) And she raved about what a great job you did on our hair. It was very important to her that we look sharp this week, since I willl be a pall bearer in her grandmothers funeral. We really also just wanted you to know even though you had a ton of people waiting on your one of a kind service. You made us feel #1. this did not go unnoticed. Everyone will know about how much I like your family friendly place of business. Thanks again John Goodman 11/9/2009 Jason, I really enjoy fresh air and freedom! Thanks to people like you, we live in a free country. Your barber shop continues in the tradition of providing an excellent value in a hometown barber shop. I enjoy the visit with you as much as I do the haircut. You do a great job. I tell everyone that mentions needing a haircut to go to Drakes! Keep up the good work and keep the faith. Thanks again, Bill Austin 11/18/2009 I have been going to Drake's for more years than I can remember - I have told everyone of my friends where I get my hair cut. I'm prior military and enjoy the simple barber shop atmosphere and friendly staff. Will continue to use them until I no longer have a need for a hair cut, then I will go there for a shave !!! :) 11/24/2009 I have been going to drakes for nearly 7yrs and thats alot when you consider that im only 19. yes i miss the old pice of 12 bucks but what pice ever stays the same. i mean you wouldnt expect gas to go back to what it was 5yrs ago. all around i think its a great barber shop. 5/13/2010 Thanks Jason for a great cut and shave 6/14/2010 Moved to Tennessee in 97 and bounced around to several barber shops before finding Jason. He did the best job and I stuck with him. When he took over at Drakes of course I followed. Now Reed gives me most of my cuts (flat top) but I am happy with either of them as they both do an excellant job. I also like the early hours and the fact they still use a straight razor. Reminds me of being a kid and going to the shop with my dad and grandpa. Keep up the good work! JB 6/17/2010 Jason,
I really like your website. All of the pictures are great!! By the way when can we get Jadon in there with his awesome hair cuts??
I think you need to start a Facebook for Drakes to. Everybody looks at Facebook and you need to be there as well!! Just an idea!!
Have a blessed day!!
Janet L. Bush 6/17/2010 Hey Jason its dumb me again. I found the link at the bottom of this for your facebook. Good job!!
I am so dense at times!! Have a great day!! 7/7/2010 I visited Drake's Barber Shop in the Boro on July 5, 2010. Barber Jason Rigney cut my hair giving me a tight, clean and crisp military cut. I would highly recommend Drake's for gents of all ages as these barbers have the skill to do all that is desired. 7/9/2010 Ive been in Tn since 1996. Ive been bounced around from hair salon to hair salon.
I found Drakes when I moved to the Boro. Finally an old school Barbershop atmosphere. This brings back good childhood memorys. Dad used to take me to a barber shop in Los Angeles that he use to go to as a child. Sadly old Don passed away and its been that long since Ive been to an actual Barbershop. Love the enviorment great cut everytime. Keep up the good work. See you when my skin and a one needs a tune up. 8/17/2010 Felt good to get my hair cut by some Americans. Iraqis just cant cut hair like yall can. 11/15/2010 I recommend this shop. I have a great experience every time. I look forward to Jason or James cutting my hair because they do a great job. Its more than a great hair cut because they have become friends. why not get a hair cut from friends who know you! come check them out. It's a perfect modern spin on an old fashion barber shop. 3/27/2011 Nothing like a hot lather neck shave and the service you get at Drake's. If you need a trim in the Boro then you need to get to Drake's. 4/7/2011 Jason,
This is the email I use for my adjusting jobs. I want to thank you again for offering to help me. It means alot to me. I know God will provide for me.
Here is my contact info.
Thanks Again
Tony Caslte
(615) 785-8491
alcastle.iia@gmail.com 4/21/2011 I just recently started coming to Drakes since January. I moved here from Alabama and so far I have never felt so at home. A very friendly and personable group of guys that create a very comfortable atmosphere. I have had a "cut" from everyone there and I can honestly say all are above par. As a Army officer, my appearance is essential in making an impression and upholding standards. With that said, I know that I can stop by Drake's moments prior to a meeting and come out looking and feeling great. Thanks guys, you all do a great job. 5/17/2011 2+ years good cuts friendly folks fair prices unrushed service. I recommend drakes to all my buds 2/8/2012 I just got my haircut by jason at drakes barber shop and I m please to tell you that he did a great job. I would highly recommend all men to forego the quick 15 minute barber shop places in favor of drakes. It's got a good old time feel, the prices are very reasonable and the conversation is great. Do yourself a favor and check this place out, you won't regret it.
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