Word on the Street
Ruben Juarez goes for a nostalgic feel at relocated Tower District barber shop.

The Fresno Bee

Published 06/02/08 11:18:00

Ruben Juarez isn't 40 years old yet, but he likes to think of himself as an old-fashioned barber.

At Ruben's Barber Shop, you won't find an indoor water fountain flowing or New Age music playing in the background. But what customers will find is an antique cash register, a working barber pole and a collection of vintage barber supplies, including a chrome hair dryer and clippers.

No, he doesn't use the old equipment. It just adds to the nostalgic feel of the shop that recently relocated from Belmont and Fulton avenues to 812 E. Fern St. in the Tower District.

Juarez likes to provide what he calls "old fashioned luxury" that includes a straight razor shave, complete with a hot towel and lather treatment.

With some hair salons churning out customers by the dozens, Juarez knows he has to provide something unique.

"These days, what is old is new again," Juarez said. "And what we try and provide is good service at a fair price."

And despite his old-fashioned theme, Juarez and his three barbers can give customers a haircut in any style they like. Adult haircuts are $12 and children and seniors are $10.

"We will give you a flat top, a fade or send you out with some gel in your hair," Juarez said. "Whatever you want."

Although his old location was well known as the home of former barber Jim Baker, who retired in 2005 after 56 years, Juarez said the new location has more to offer, including greater visibility.

The 560-square-foot barber shop that is open Tuesday through Saturday sits between a bank and a U.S. Post Office branch.

On a recent afternoon, several people walked by and one new customer strolled into his barber shop for a haircut.

"That's what I like about being here," Juarez said. "Lots of foot traffic."

Segway security

Security guards at Fashion Fair mall in Fresno recently began using Segway scooters.

The two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters are driven by guards who stand atop the devices.

The scooters allow security guards to get across the mall quickly, with top speeds of 12.5 mph, according to Segway.

"We're finding the Segway not only helps our security officers respond quickly when they need to, but it also invites interaction with our customers," said senior property manager Mo Bagunu in a news release.

The mall has two scooters and will continue to do foot patrols.

Treats in The Tower

An ice cream shop is planned for the Tower District.

The former Tower Barber Shop, which closed after 55 years in 2006, is scheduled to open in early June as Scoops.

Jeff Hough will open the shop next to the Million Elephant restaurant. Hough ran J Ho's Bar & Grill, which closed when Hough sold the lease to the Million Elephant.

The new shop will serve ice cream from the Superior Dairy in Hanford.

"It's well-known as far as the quality," he said of the ice cream. "People travel to Hanford all the time to get it."

Store and ship

The central San Joaquin Valley continues to be a magnet for companies needing a central place for shipping.

A tire warehouse opens Friday in Fresno and International Paper Co. moved into its new distribution center in Visalia last week.

The paper company started operations Thursday at its new 252,040-square-foot distribution center The Allen Group of San Diego built at its MidState 99 industrial park.

The Allen Group also announced the completion of two industrial buildings adjacent to International Paper. The two structures -- both about 140,000 square feet in size -- are available for occupancy.

MidState 99 now has 11 buildings totaling more than 3 million square feet at the Visalia site.

Farther north, East Bay Tire Co. is opening its new 82,000-square-foot retail, service and distribution center at North Avenue and Highway 99. Stravinski Development Group of Madera was the builder.

The two businesses help enhance the area's reputation as a hub for logistics companies.

"This strategic location ... gives [businesses] the ability to reach over 65 million consumers in a two-day truck turn," said David Hernandez, director of construction services for The Allen Group in Visalia.

Steve Geil, president of the Economic Development Corporation Serving Fresno County, elaborated: "If you have a ground game in your movement of goods, you can't be anywhere better than the central San Joaquin Valley."

He said the number of businesses interested in opening distribution centers in Fresno County has tripled.

"We've seen phenomenal activity in '08," he said. "Companies understand the importance of Fresno County and Tulare County in the big picture of moving products."