Our History
In 1926 a young south side entrepreneur by the name of Joe Taylor opened Joe’s Barbershop in the historic Hyde Park Theater. Nearly a century late, the community and culture of Joe’s Barbershop have evolved and persist in the Hyde Park Barber Studio. In August of 2007, the University of Chicago set a bold vision to redevelop 53rd street and provided a new location for the shop on 51 street, directly across from Kenwood High School. The Hyde Park Barber Studio has proudly served the Hyde Park community for 11 years at its current location at 1431 E Hyde Park Blvd.
Barbershops have always been a place of convening and culture for communities, and Hyde Park Barber Studio provides itself on carrying on this tradition. Beyond haircuts and grooming, the shop is an essential part of the fabric of the neighborhood. In years past, the shop has been featured in movies and used as a venue for community outreach programs. Furthermore, Hyde Park Barber Studio owner, Abdul Karim Shakir, takes pride in the fact that this historic shop provides a stable leaving for all of the barbers’ families, “Five of the seven barbers in this shop are fathers. The community is through our collective ability to operate a business.”
Abdul Karim never intended to own a barbershop. In 1989 he was returning from service in the US Marine Corps and was considering radiology school. However, a chance visit to the local barber college revealed an unrealized passion for Shakir, “I was first attracted to the shop because the barbershop was a cool place. I liked the vibe and the people.”
The vibe and the people are essential components of Hyde Park Barber Studio as all, but a single barber has been at the shop over five years, a rare feat for any barbershop. Having a consistent community of barbers committed to its customers helps Hyde Park Barber Studio serves over 500 residents each week and ensures this historic shop has a place in the future.
Hyde Park Barber Studio is truly a historic shop delivering exceptional cuts.
Our Founder
Abdul Karim Shakir
Owner & Master Barber
Bio
Abdul Karim graduated from Cain’s Barber College in 1992. Afterwards, he worked at the Hyde Park Hair Salon under the mentorship of the owner, Naim Sabre. For the next ten years, Abdul Karim honed his skills as a skilled barber and learned how to run a successful barber shop. He took over ownership of Hyde Park Hair Salon in 2002. He later relocated to the current upscale location in 2007. Throughout his career, Abdul Karim continues to secure a steady clientele who appreciates his keen sense of style. Abdul Karim’s willingness to stay current with new barbershop phrases and trends as well his ability to remain true to classic cuts allows him to make his clients look and feel their best.
Contact
Shop - (773) 493 - 8080
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Hyde-Park-Barber-Studio-211717679278/
We Hope to See You Soon
