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Kutters Barber Shop Offers Cuts And Conversations

Daniel Cole, 25, a regular customer at Kutters gets his “usual” on Saturday, Dec. 5. (Daniel Smithson/ WUFT News)
Daniel Cole, 25, a regular customer at Kutters gets his “usual” on Saturday, Dec. 5. (Daniel Smithson/ WUFT News)

A small building on the side of Waldo Road sits untouched by the change of time.

Opened in 1959, Kutters has been a longstanding Gainesville barbershop owned by 57-year-old Bill Goolsby.

After his father L.C. Goolsby was diagnosed with emphysema, he built Kutters, 1916 Waldo Road, according to Bill. It was built right next to their home so his father could cut hair as long as he could.

His father died in 1981.

Goolsby took over his father’s barber duties in January 1980 and has been running the shop ever since.

“I’ve been here for 37 years,” Goolsby said. “I think I have another 37 years in me.”

Conversations during a normal day in the antique barber shop range from fishing-trip stories and jokes to political debates.

Most of Goolsby’s customers are regulars. One of Goolsby’s 93-year-old customers, Bob Ernst, said Goolsby keeps him looking good for the women at his retirement home.

“Billy, you keep those ladies over there looking at me,” Ernst said. “It’s a good thing I know how to run.”

Kutters is open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m to 1 p.m. Kutters charges $12 for men’s cuts and $22 for women’s cuts.

Daniel Smithson is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 850-516-6659 or emailing danielsmithson@ufl.edu.