LEXINGTON — Adrian and Savannah Hunter saw an empty barber shop in Lexington and decided to put their own spin on it.

Movie posters line the walls, kids stack Legos in a sensory corner and straight razors still make an appearance at Murphy’s Barber Company.

Hunter said he wanted more than a place for haircuts. He said he created a welcoming space for families and a business that filled a need in the community.

Bringing a barber shop back to Lexington

Murphy’s Barber Company, located at 21 W. Main St., operates Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday by appointment only and Monday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is closed on Tuesdays.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday officially opened the shop.

Hunter said he chose the location because of its visibility and history.

“One reason we chose this space is availability, two, it’s a lot of foot traffic and three, it used to be a barber shop. So we thought it would be easier to put our own spin on something that was already here,” Hunter said.

Hunter said opening day brought both relief and nerves.

“It was scary the first time I turned that open sign. I think my hand was shaking,” he said. “I was like what if this doesn’t work out.”

Murphy’s Barber Company offers color, fades, blends, shaves, facials, hot towels, cleansing treatments and clay masks.

“We offer the best haircut they can get for a great price,” Hunter said. “I actually shave with a straight razor, not most barbers do that still, but I do it.”

Hunter said Lexington lacked barber shops, which made the decision to open there even more meaningful.

“There are no barber shops in the Lexington area, we wanted to be the only one and we wanted to do it here,” he said.

Jennifer Wagner, director of member services for the Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development, thanked Hunter for investing in the community.

“We’re thrilled to have you here and we wish you much success and we’re here to support you,” Wagner said.

Chris McKinniss with ES Consulting and a Chamber ambassador said he already sees the shop becoming part of the community.

He said he can envision Murphy’s Barber Company on Saturday mornings with dads and sons getting their haircuts together.

A barber shop inspired by movies and family

The shop’s name carries personal meaning for Hunter. His youngest daughter’s middle name is Murphy, while actor Eddie Murphy also inspired the business name.

Hunter’s love of film fills the space with posters from movies and television shows including The Goonies, Jaws and Stranger Things.

“I love movies – any movies in the 80s, 90s or early 2000s era,” Hunter said.

“If I had the opportunity to be an actor, that’s what I would be,” he added.

Hunter designed the shop with families in mind. Alongside the barber stations, Murphy’s Barber Company features a sensory corner with a large chalkboard wall, a soft grass wall and Legos for children.

“It’s a great environment. You can bring your kids, they can be rambunctious, loud and no one’s going to bat an eye or judge,” Hunter said.

The business also launched “Minuteman Mondays,” which gives Lexington school staff 5% off any service every Monday as a thank you to educators.

“We’re glad to be here,” Hunter said. “I just love this opportunity and I hope for the busiest days ever to come.”

(Photos from the Murphy’s Barber Company ribbon cutting. Credit: Hannah Martin)