Originally from Rice Street, Pete attended Roseville High and after graduation, Minnesota Barber College in Minneapolis. After spending almost eight years at Schmitty’s, he felt it was time for him to go out on his own. Meanwhile, since Tom lived near Cretin-Derham Hall, he was always passing by Schmitty’s and would often stop in for a visit. Pete says, “I was eating breakfast one morning, and he wandered by and peeked in the window. It was a Monday and we weren’t open yet. He told me he was selling his shop on West 7th and wanted to know if I was interested. I had given him a neck trim before that, so I don’t know if he was scoping me out then, either.” At Tom’s shop, Pete is cutting the hair of former customers, as well as getting the word out about his new location.

After high school, Pete became a cook and worked for Panino’s, a mom and pop Italian restaurant, and later for Ground Round, until the latter chain went out of business. A barber friend inspired Pete to go to barber school, which worked out for him very well, as he felt the creative aspect of barbering to be more satisfying than cooking.

Beside barbering at Schmitty’s, Pete has also worked at the hockey tournament barber booth sponsored by Warrior Hockey Equipment, giving what he terms “hockey haircuts” — short on the top and gradually getting longer toward the shoulders like the unruly style in the late 60s and 70s. Kids also would go to have signs, letters, or other objects shaved into their hair. More recently he gets requests for a “Joe Mauer” cut, with the longer sideburns. The former “ivy league” cut of the early 60s is also making a comeback, where the hair is shaved close to the head all over. 

Tom’s Barber Shop, now 7th Street Barbers, still has the same friendly relaxed atmosphere it has always had. In fact, one customer commented to Pete during his first week on the job, “It was nice to get away from the same old grind,” referring to his work downtown. In reference to his work, Peter lightheartedly commented, “I cut hair and I talk (about anything and everything).” 

Tom joked, “He’s already started remodeling,” pointing to the chair Pete picked up at IKEA, shelving and a table in a corner from OfficeMax. There’s also a new neon “Open” sign. For the most part, Pete plans to keep the same interior design — wood paneling, a mounted fish, the “Schmidt Beer” sign and display case, although he has added a computer to the mix. The building has been standing since 1894. Originally a liquor store, the barbershop had been in existence since 1891. The most recent sale was when Tom bought it from Rick Hernandez in 1996.

As for Tom, he plans to stay and work for the next three to five years. Besides looking forward to his occasional fishing trips, he is now eagerly awaiting the birth of his first grandchild, due in mid-February.

To schedule an appointment give Pete a call at 651-228-9433, or just stop in — walk-ins are always welcome. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pete is waiting for some warmer weather for an opening celebration, which hopefully will include some grilling — so stay tuned for further information!