BIZNOTE: Rudy’s Barbershop files for bankruptcy, CHS reports

| Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

It’s been three weeks since hair salons and barber shops were completely shut down by the governor’s health order that also required restaurants and beverage businesses to shift to takeout/delivery. This morning, our friends at Capitol Hill Seattle Blog report that the Rudy’s Barbershop chain has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is seeking permission for a sale. Read the full CHS coverage here; CHS reports documents show Rudy’s was “struggling” even before the COVID-19 shutdown. Next month marks five years since Rudy’s opened a West Seattle location in The Triangle, at 4480 Fauntleroy Way SW.

West Seattle Hipster April 6, 2020 (11:49 am)

Sad for the employees, but not surprised. Prices for basic haircuts were pretty steep.

Mr E April 6, 2020 (12:42 pm)

Hey everyone, I found the “that guy”!
- Xman April 6, 2020 (2:14 pm)
  
  I found another one!
  - Reelsteel April 6, 2020 (7:37 pm)
    
    You can add my to that list of “that guy” who doesn’t like overpaying for a bad cut

Zark00 April 6, 2020 (12:12 pm)

Also not surprised. Have been going to Rudy’s for years, multiple locations, and they have consistently gotten worse. Prices have gone up and quality has gone WAY down. Last 2-3 cuts at Rudy’s have been bad – like I didn’t want to pay for them bad – I still paid and tipped – but those were some garbage haircuts.

Mikki Y Priddy-maki April 7, 2020 (1:15 pm)

Why didn’t you say something than? You would have gotten. Your money back or gotten a free re cut
- Zark00 April 7, 2020 (3:14 pm)
  
  Oh I did. I still have 4 free cut cards. I just kept going back hoping it was a one time thing, which is totally on me lol.

4thGenWestSide April 6, 2020 (12:15 pm)

What’s going to happen to Realfine Coffee that shares space with them?

WSB April 6, 2020 (12:48 pm)

Chapter 11 does NOT necessarily mean they’re closing (although as noted the state order has them shut down now). That aside, Realfine and Rudy’s are separate tenants; neither owns the building.

Peter April 6, 2020 (12:26 pm)

No surprise. Terrible haircuts for exorbitant prices combined with high pressure sales to get you to buy their products was always a poor business model.

Christina April 6, 2020 (5:27 pm)

So brave. I work there and that comment isn’t true especially not from me. Take your negativity elsewhere.
Joe April 6, 2020 (6:00 pm)

Peter, you should probably stick to Supercuts or Great Clips. They often have great coupon discounts!

Mj April 6, 2020 (12:46 pm)

I’m afraid this is just the beginning of a wave of bankruptcys, this is the other side the coin heads or tails with no good choice.

Yma April 6, 2020 (12:47 pm)

Aw dang. Rudy’s was an icon. I shudder to think of what other beloved businesses will go under.be nice out there- be safe out there

Sally April 6, 2020 (1:11 pm)

What’s going to happen to their hairstylists? Will they lose their jobs?

WSB April 6, 2020 (1:50 pm)

Please read through to the CHS story.

Christina April 6, 2020 (5:09 pm)

Hey To all the people talking bs about haircuts and the people doing them how about you stop being so brave behind your computer. I am a fully booked out barber and I am consistent always. My haircuts are worth more than $37 to be quite honest so if you want to talk that ish do it to my face or anybody at Rudy’s face because you look mad stupid! Not every hairstylist has the same amount of experience you have to start somewhere so don’t act like you walked into your job being the best at it ! I’m so sick of people talking smack behind your computer just stop! When you find someone who cuts your hair good stay with them because that’s what most men do and women! Now if you got some nice to say please go right ahead I’m not keeping my mouth shut. Sick of people being bullies behind a keyboard thinking they so important. Just stop!

Chuck April 6, 2020 (5:45 pm)

Nobody said anything bad about people giving haircuts, particularly your haircuts, so this is kind of a confusing reaction. Some folks said they had a bad experience at Rudy’s and that the prices were high for what they got.I would have absolutely no problem telling you that in person, so I don’t think the keyboard hiding charge is applicable. If you haven’t noticed, both the WSB and the comments section are online, which kind of necessitates the use of a keyboard and a computer.
Matt April 7, 2020 (1:54 pm)

I’m hoping they’ll reopen once this is over. Christina is my barber at Rudy’s in west Seattle and she’s great!

Wally Walker April 6, 2020 (5:19 pm)

Not being surprised has nothing to do with their prices or consistency and everything to do with covid-19.

Michael Toughill April 6, 2020 (5:53 pm)

Oh no! It’s terrible trying to find a person you like that you trust to cut your hair and do a great job, and Rudy’s felt like an institution! (Christina, in particular) Especially in these times, I’ve come to really appreciate things like a good haircut. Let’s get through this time quickly and safely so we can get to the other side and right the ship for these kinds of workers!

Stay well and be kind April 6, 2020 (6:27 pm)

I recently found a good stylist at the WS location and was happy with the price point and work. I also like their line of shampoo products.

Best wishes to Rudy’s and their employees. Hope you can make a comeback!

Jean April 6, 2020 (7:55 pm)

I’m sad. Parker was a delight, and gave perfect haircuts for a reasonable price.Best wishes all of you at Rudy’s.and thank you,JA

Parker April 6, 2020 (10:03 pm)

Jean!!!! Its Parker, as of right now we aren’t closing… I better see you as soon this is all over!!!I hope you and your family are staying healthy <3
- Jean April 7, 2020 (8:11 pm)
  
  Parker! Glad you saw that! I’m there as soon as you open for biz :-)stay safe — enjoy the sunny weather to come.Hugs!

G April 6, 2020 (9:02 pm)

Rudy’s haircuts were/are overpriced, says every 30 something single man in West Seattle in unison!

WSMom April 6, 2020 (9:31 pm)

Boo! I suspect the first in a wave of bankruptcies. I took my son here and he loved the cuts by Brad. I’m sure the closure is hard on all the stylists – and for those who complain about the price, you do have a choice about where to go. Head to Supercuts next time for your haircut. Pretty soon you may not have much of a choice.

Duc April 6, 2020 (10:04 pm)

In a month or whenever you decide to give yourself a haircut because all salons are closed, I’d like to know what you’d pay for a haircut. And shoutout to Nicole at the WS location- always a great haircut and laughs to boot! I hope they find a buyer soon.

RPS April 7, 2020 (7:07 am)

Three data points that inform my decision on where I go for my haircuts: (1) I’ve had my hair cut; at Rudy’s, Supercuts, Great Clips, and the independents. No matter how much I pay for my haircut, it looks about the same a week after the cut, and often even on the day of the cut. ( 2) I have a stylist friend who completed her cosmetology training at a high end beauty school. She says they were taught that if they finished someone’s hair quickly (within 15 minutes for men), to still pretend like she’s cleaning things up around the head so that the customer doesn’t feel ripped off. In other words, the more a place charges, the more time they must spend with customers so that there is some correlation between time and money. (3) I have a different friend who used to work in sales for a high end fashion house in NYC. If he figured out that money was no object for the customer, he would take the customer to a special “reserved” back room with slightly different items with no price tags. He was able to quote whatever outlandish price he wanted for those “special” items. Bottom line: either go where you get the most value for your money or where you connect with the merchant (or get some other benefit). It’s your money to spend getting whatever benefits you seek.

B April 7, 2020 (7:34 am)

That’s a bummer about Rudy’s. I’ve noticed a lot of my friends have been experimenting with cutting their own hair during this time. I’m curious to see if there will be just as much demand for basic haircuts after quarantine or if many folks will just start cutting their hair at home.

JhasnoTime April 14, 2020 (5:10 am)

Most people don’t have the skill to cut their hair into a proper shape/style. The first cut might Give them some confide because they’re probably trimming or following the professional stylist previous line. This is a hiccup. People love convenience.

Wes C. Addle April 7, 2020 (9:54 am)

Rudy’s is not that expensive. That’s where I go as a backup for when my regular guy is on vacation. It’s still the best of all the “chain” barbershops around.

Clean cut April 15, 2020 (8:26 pm)

I don’t go to chains for that very reason whether it’s Supercuts, Rudy’s or Bishops. They are all about overcharging for service. I’ve been going to Season’s across from Safeway on 42nd. The gals there are really nice! And I can get a haircut and shampoo for $20! I don’t feel stretched giving the added tip.

Sorry, comment time is over.