That was in June of 2013. But it didn’t slow Hammell down much – he moved a chair onto the back patio of Town Moto on Ossington. Same with in the back of Rob Dyer’s Skate 4 Cancer pop-up shop on Queen West.

He started to shop around for a standalone shop along the Ossington strip. Then, out of nowhere, Hammell saw a For Rent sign at Dundas and Ossington almost next door to Lakeview Restaurant . He got right to work.

town barber toronto

They got the keys this past December. Then Hammell left to go on tour with City and Colour. He opened Town Barber (a reference to Town Moto) on January 7.

They did it all – added a new floor, made merch, put up wood along the ceiling and walls for a cozy, cottage-y feel. The barber stations are made from black tool boxes, with the wood tops being original inmate benches from the Don Jail. The walls are splashed with art (including an original Tim Armstrong piece), a scythe, signed Jason Jesse skateboards, American flags, records and tattoo flash. They’re now working on opening up a coffee bar in the back.

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“I just wanted that vibe of people coming in and enjoying themselves,” Hammell says. “I don’t want any pretension. I don’t want any cool guy bullshit. I want customers to feel like [they’re at] home. I want them to feel like they’re sitting on my couch in my living room. I want them to feel like they’re part of something.”

“I don’t want them to feel like they don’t have enough tattoos, because that’s horseshit. This is a blue collar job. You’re cooler than nobody.”

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With three full-time barbers and opened seven days a week, Town Barber is already booked a few days out. There are currently four barber chairs, but there’s the opportunity to expand.

For instance, Matty Conrad , one of Canada’s most respected barbers from Vancouver, is doing a guest spot at Town Barber on March 21.

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A cut will run you $25, a hot towel shave is $35 and a cut and shave is $55. Beard trims are included – just be a good chap and tip your barber.

“I may not be the best barber in the world, but I’m a good dude,” Hammell says.

town barber toronto

Town Barber
1114 Dundas St. West
416.399.3499

1158 Queen St. W.
Toronto, ON M6J 1J5
(416) 399-3499