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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday May 31, 2008 - 13 Barbarossa gets ready for the final cut After 40 years, the downtown men's hairstyling shop is closing By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Barbarossa means red beard. In searching for a unique moniker for his men's hairstyling shop 40 years ago, German immigrant Peter Eppler looked at his own large red beard and called his new Oakville shop Barbarossa Hairstyling for Men. Frederick Barbarossa was one of the most famous German emperors whose long, red beard inspired people to called him Barbarossa, or Red-Beard. "It took me a little while to come up with it because I wanted something unique," said Eppler, 64, pulling a piece of art depicting the late Kaiser off the wall of his downtown Oakville men's hairstyling shop. Four decades after making the big decision to open his own shop -- and deciding what to call it -- Eppler now has another big decision under his belt -- Barbarossa is preparing to close its doors for good and Eppler is readying to put away his styling equipment. "It's been a good ride. They've been the best bosses ever," said Shirley Taylor, one of half a dozen stylists who have not only found new positions, but were called and offered those jobs. "We were head-hunted, pardon the pun," laughed Taylor who was on hand as the Epplers were presented a plaque honouring their shop's 40 years in business by Mayor Rob Burton and Ward 2 Councillor Fred Oliver Monday. The re-employment of their staffers eases the KAREN NEWMAN / OAKVILLE BEAVER going to a shop at Speers Road and Kerr Street and Shannon Alves will be working at Michael's. Benoit, who began at Barbarossa in 1971, will also be retiring. "We knew it (the Epplers' retirement) was coming," said Taylor, noting most of the staff members are longtime employees. Many of the customers at Barbarossa are long-time clients, too. "I have one client who has been coming for 43 years," said Peter. The man is not from Oakville, either, he said. Doris said she remembers when Dr. George Watkins cross country skiied to the shop one winter's day for a haircut. She said he now lives in California. Over the years, hairstyles have come and gone, long hair replaced by shorter styles, but it will be their customers that the Epplers remember, and miss, the most. "I will miss the customers and the people, but it will be good to take a rest," said Peter. "We will miss our clients," said Doris who was on the receiving end of numerous hugs and well wishes as customers had their hair styled one final time by Doris and Peter this week. Barbarossa will close its doors for good this Saturday, May 31. The Epplers will hold an open house throughout the day for their customers and friends. FINAL CUT: After 40 years of cutting hair in downtown Oakville, Barbarossa, will close it's doors this weekend. Pictured here are Barbarossa stylists, (L-R) Pat Servedio, Shirley Turner, Chantal Benoit, Peter Eppler (owner), Doris Eppler (owner) and Shannon Williams. minds of Eppler and his wife ment book was always full. Doris, 65, who will be head- "I will miss the Doris joined Peter in ing home to relax -- and customers and the Canada almost a year after then pack their bags to do people, but it will be he immigrated and worked some of the travelling they good to take a rest." in a factory and shoe store so love to do. before helping in the shop. "Everyone knows we like Barbarossa owner After a hiatus of some to travel," said Doris, as Peter Eppler years, Doris attended hairPeter explained that last styling school and then took year they went to South Thompson and the Eatons, up a full-time position at the America. some of the wealthiest peo- shop. Residents of Oakville for ple in Canada," said Peter. "There are health reathe last 39 years, the Epplers However, when a client sons, but mostly we simply both hail from Germany. mentioned moving to have the age," said Peter of Peter was one of four Oakville, Peter took it seri- their decision to retire. children in a family that ously, came here with just While the Epplers will operated a bakery. his down payment and continue to own the downIt was his mom's decision opened Barbarossa working town Oakville building, that he should pursue hair- as its only stylist. Barbarossa will be remodstyling as a career -- a route Trying new things wasn't eled when its new tenant she believed would be easier new for Peter though. takes over on June 4. than bakery business. It's to re-open as Sonja's Just as he had jumped After becoming an into the trend of men's hair- Roaster Ginger Food, a apprentice in Germanys, styling, he also too, hired gourmet take out store, Peter came to Canada in Oakville's first female barber. according to the Epplers. 1962 and worked at Ivan's in Meanwhile, Taylor will While some customers Toronto -- the shop that had to get used to the idea, begin working at Kukapelli brought men's hairstyling, Chantal Benoit's appoint- Hairstyling for Men; as opposed to barbershops, Pasquale Servedeo will be to the area, according to Peter. "Ivan's was the number Year-Round Lessons Available one salon in Toronto. 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