After Waiting Months, New Berkeley Barber Shop Opens

BERKELEY, NJ — At no fault of their own, Kelly and David Appio picked a strange time to open a barber shop. They were ready to hold the grand opening last March for Hair & Barber Lounge. But New Jersey's coronavirus closures began that day.

They finally opened, as the state allowed personal-care businesses such as barber shops, salons and tattoo parlors to reopen Monday. Now they're open on 895 Atlantic City Blvd. They consider themselves a family hair care business, serving men, women and children.

"The timing was just awful," David Appio said. " ... So we just hung in there with a lot of faith and prayer, and here we are, happy to be here."

Kelly Appio is a longtime cosmetologist. So once the space opened, they jumped on the opportunity to open their own business.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

When they finally opened, the line was out the door. But capacity is limited because of coronavirus restrictions, and they're taking several precautions.

Everything is sanitized between customers. They have invested in ultraviolet sanitizer, disinfectant at various levels, and disposable aprons and capes. Masks are required, but they'll provide you one.

"When you show up, we will issue you a mask, regardless of whether you have one of your own," David Appio said. "It’s yours to keep."

Call 732-201-4797 for appointments.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Follow Berkeley Patch on Facebook. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com.