We aren’t the only region in the world with beautiful beaches. Walkable downtowns can be found in just about every major city. And most places in Europe have us beat by a few hundred years when it comes to historic buildings. But what makes St. Petersburg truly unique and special to me are the people.

There are countless ways to meet people in St. Pete, but an especially great place to get to know your neighbors is at a local barbershop or salon. And there’s a new high-end barbershop opening any day at 915 Central Avenue that promises to be a cut above the rest.

The priority at Machine Shop Barber Company will be the people. “I want to create a place that feels like family,” says owner Brandon Thompson. “In fact, I’d love to periodically shut down the shop and take my staff to do haircuts for the homeless or any other community event we can be a part of.”

And that people-first philosophy will permeate throughout everything at Machine Shop, from services offered to pricing.

For instance, no matter what kind of haircut you’re getting, it will always include shampoo, conditioner, scalp massage, and hot towel service. Additionally, all customers get to enjoy a complimentary beverage of their choice, including beer.

Machine Shop will offer all of the same services that the majority of high-end barbershops offer, such as any fade you can think of, any shave you can think of, and ear/nose/eyebrow waxing.

As for pricing, a simple clean-up will run you $15, whereas a full haircut will cost $30. Those looking for a completely new look will want to choose The Tune Up for $70, which comes with a haircut, fade of your choice, beard trim, and color services.

Thompson looked at a number of spaces before selecting 915 Central Avenue with the help of EJ Barkett of Barkett Realty and Joe Esposito of KW Commercial. “If it wasn’t for Joe being super persistent, I wouldn’t be here,” Thompson laughs. “But when I walked into the space, I knew this is where I needed to be.”

Thompson is even keeping a mural painted by local artist Michael Vahl. The lion on the back wall is a tribute to Dan Wheldon, a professional Grand Prix driver and St. Pete resident who tragically died in a crash in 2011. The mural was commissioned for the previous tenant, Verve Boutique, which was owned and operated by Dan’s widow, Susie Wheldon.

“Dan Wheldon is a staple in this community,” says Thompson. “It wouldn’t be right for me to get rid of his tribute. When Susie was told the lion was staying, she was ecstatic and emotional.”

The 1,600 square foot space will have eight barber chairs, although initially will be operating at a limiting capacity to comply with CDC guidelines until restrictions are lifted.

Everything in Machine Shop is handmade and unique. Every station, every piece of furniture. “The theme is what’s going to make everything pop for people,” says Thompson.

Thompson was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, but raised in Jacksonville, Florida. His mother worked for a local radio station, 95.1 WAPE, and got Thompson his first job at 16 in media marketing and promotions at the station.

“I got bit by the radio bug,” he says. After moving to Orlando to work for WJRR, and then back to Jacksonville, Thompson finally settled in Tampa as Promotions Coordinator at 98 Rock. He was obsessed with radio, and even taught himself Photoshop so he could create show logos and website graphics for radio stations.

Occasionally, Thompson would have the opportunity to meet musicians and eventually he even became friends with some. Then one day he was given the opportunity of a lifetime. A popular band asked him to join them on tour.

He went home, wrote his resignation letter and moved to Los Angeles. Thompson traveled the world with ill niño and had experiences most can only dream of. But life on the road wasn’t always enjoyable. “The highs were really high and the lows were really low,” says Thompson. “When you are in a different city every night, it can get really lonely.”

Thompson eventually realized that he didn’t want to live that life anymore. So, he quit touring in 2010 and moved back to Tampa, where he got a job at 10News.

A few years ago, Thompson needed to find a way to get himself into the mental health community, so he created A Place For My Head. It started out as a blog, but eventually turned into a place where people all over the world were submitting their stories. He even started a podcast, which was just nominated for Best Podcast in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay.

“It’s given me an opportunity to interview people from all walks of life, including wrestlers, musicians, and athletes,” says Thompson.

Thompson’s next venture is Machine Shop. Although he doesn’t cut hair himself, he’s always been fascinated by the barbering industry.

“The barbershop will help me get back into the community,” says Thompson. “I feel like this is what I was meant to do my entire life.”

There’s no doubt the Coronavirus has had (and continues to have) a huge negative impact on Downtown St. Pete’s small, local businesses. We’ve already lost a few of my favorite shops. But the silver lining is the new businesses, like Machine Shop, that will rise out of the ashes of those who we’ve lost.

“Being in the EDGE District with all the proud people that love the neighborhood is incredible,” says Thompson. “I couldn’t have picked a better spot. I’m so happy to be here.”

Machine Shop is still waiting for a permit approval and hopes to open in the coming days at 915 Central Avenue. Hours of operation will be 10AM to 7PM Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday. Be sure to like and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Any licensed barbers looking for work should contact Brandon Thompson at brandon@machineshopbarber.com.