Pete’s Barbershop Closes

Before I even moved to South Florida, my in-laws told me, “You’ve got to go to Pete’s.” The iconic bicycle out front may have been gone by then, but I’ll never forget the springy metal riding toys still inside. From the moment I walked in, I felt the magic of the place.

On June 21st, after more than two million haircuts and more than 60 years, owner Howard Fairfield and his daughter Terry stepped outside the shop and locked the doors for the very last time. A small ceremony took place with close friends and the Village of Pinecrest proclaimed the day as Pete’s Suniland Barbershop Day.

Pinecrest Councilman Fairman give proclamation to the Fairfields

Pete’s Barbershop wasn’t just a business—it was part of the rhythm of life in Pinecrest. My kids got their very first haircuts at Pete’s. They even received little diplomas that we still have in our family scrapbook. Three generations of our family—my father-in-law, my father, me, and my children—shared that simple tradition. It wasn’t just about getting a haircut. It was about time together. It was a family ritual.

Raudel cuts young Feldman's hair in 2009

The team at Pete’s was something special. They weren’t just cutting hair—they were weaving themselves into the fabric of the community. They knew our names. They told stories, shared laughs, and made us feel like we belonged. When you paid, the money went into the lovingly maintained old-fashioned manual cash registers (they refused to go electronic). In the heydays, if you came in for a Saturday night haircut, you could hang out and enjoy an ice-cold beer with the gang. It was a feel-good tradition.

2011 photo of some of the stylists

Back in 2011, I wrote an article for the Pinecrest Tribune and interviewed owner Howard Fairfield, who told me something I’ve never forgotten. He said, “I do this for all the barbers who work here. The rent is so high now that this is really a labor of love for me, but it’s well worth it so that all the employees have jobs. I can’t see us ever closing our doors. We enjoy it too much.”

Howard Fairfield in 2011

But times change. 14 years later, and post-COVID, the financial costs finally caught up to the Pete’s Barbershop family. Howard sustained the shop to the point that it was costing him to keep the doors open. For him, it was about making sure he took care of his beloved team, his barbers, his community. “It was nice,” explained owner Howard Fairfield, “I really didn't have to do anything. I had good barbers, good people, the shop was easy to take care of because I had good managers, had a lot of very nice people here. And it wasn't very hard. It was easy, easy, easy.”

Rene cuts hair on the final day at Pete’s Barbershop

Daughter and manager, Terry Fairfield, added, “It’s sad. We’re going to miss everybody. It's been a long, good time. I want to thank everyone for all the years of loyalty. We appreciate it. All your friendships.” When asked how people could find them and catch up on the news and gossip of the day, Terry answered, “Our barbershop phone number will remain on for another six months. Call 305-251-5893 and say hello!”

longtime barber charlie at the helm

Howard pointed out that Primo’s Barbershop (at 9497 S. Dixie Hwy.) contacted them when they heard of the pending closure and arrangements were made to have two of the barbers to have a chair at Primo’s so that their customers can still see their favorite barbers in their new home.

howard and terry packing up 60+ years of memories

When asked what they were going to do with their free time, Howard and Terry were excited to say they were driving to Alaska for some R&R. Neither of them had ever been. The 88-year-old Howard then immediately reminded me that it won’t all be vacation. “I have ongoing responsibilities to maintain my rental homes. I do a lot of stuff at the houses, yeah.”

Here’s to the Fairfield family, for always doing it the right way. Farewell to Javier, Raudel, Armando, Deg, Lefty, Terry, Charlie, and others who have each left an indelible mark on the Village of Pinecrest. But more importantly, cheers to the incredible memories that Pete’s Barbershop brought to thousands of families.

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