Chicago’s Barbershop at 1000 Divisadero St. has been keeping neighborhood ladies and gents looking fresh and well-coiffed for the last 18 years.
We stopped in to speak with Ken El-Amin, who has worked at Chicago’s for over 15 years and now runs the shop. During our conversation, we learned about how the neighborhood has changed over the years and his favorite aspect of working at Chicago's.
Ken of Chicago's. (Photo: Chas Jones)
What’s your name and title?
"Kenneth El-Amin, Head Barber."
When did you start working here?
"I started working here about 15 years ago, fresh out of San Francisco Barber College. I got the job just by combing the neighborhood, looking for work."
What made you want to cut hair?
"It was something I did in high school, around the hood. I worked a couple of odd jobs that I wasn’t really satisfied with. Ultimately, I enjoyed cutting hair and the way it made people feel. Also, my father used to cut hair as well."
Did he cut hair in SF?
"Yeah, he was a barber on Divisadero street, a few blocks down [from Chicago’s]. The shop he used to work at is now a nail salon, next door to Ziryab."
And why did you choose Chicago’s?
"I already knew about Chicago’s Barbershop, not this location in particular, but the one on Fillmore. I went to that one as a kid, so I was already familiar with the Chicago’s name, but not this particular establishment."
What was Divisadero like back then, 15 years ago?
"You had a larger population of blacks living in the area versus what you do now; it’s a lot more diverse. You had a little bit more culture back then. There are a lot more businesses now than there were back then, but I would say the culture and the people have changed a little bit."
With that said, how much of your clientele comes from the neighborhood?
"I would say probably around 65-70 percent ... Maybe not living in the neighborhood, but fairly close. The thing is that not all of my clients are from SF. There are people who have gotten jobs that require them to transfer into the city that now come and get their haircut here. Also, clients that I’ve seen who have been longtime customers, many transition to neighboring cities and other places, still will come back here to get their haircut."
Why do you think your clients who've moved to other parts of the Bay choose to come back to Chicago’s?
"I think it’s because you build a relationship with people. You become comfortable; it’s almost like having a family tie. Also, the ability to have a relationship with someone and not having to explain a lot of things is very valuable. And there’s nothing like getting a nice haircut too!"
What’s your favorite aspect of working at Chicago’s?
"The Chicago’s name has been a staple in the black community in this area. Plus, there aren’t a lot of black-owned businesses in this area or San Francisco period, so for me to have an opportunity to have strong ties to a neighborhood in a city that I grew up in, I value that. I also have a chance to interact with a lot of different age groups, youth as well as seniors, and others who have been around for a long time. With all that being said, it’s something very unique and I wouldn’t be able to get that with any other job."
What can we expect for the future of Chicago’s?
"Chicago’s is always going to be a place where people know they can go to get a quality haircut in a professional atmosphere, all while feeling free to express yourself and hear others express themselves. You can bring your kids here, a woman can come here and get her hair cut. It will always have an inviting atmosphere.
"While, we’ve taken on a different look with the transition that San Francisco and the neighborhood has made, I think that the foundation and what people have known Chicago’s to be after all these years will still be there."
