Last MAGIC, I got to meet Todd Nisbet, the manager at Frank’s Chop Shop. He invited me to come through and get a cut, but I’ve been busy – I finally made time to swing by as we’re now neighbors. The Chop Shop is the long-overdue physical realization of Frank151 magazine, a NYC mainstay for years… the barbershop extension of the brand opened over a year ago. Customers can come through to get a haircut or a shave, or peruse their selection of fitted hats for sale. To me there are two men’s indulgences that are slowly dying – one is the shoe shine, and the other is the straight razor shave. I’m glad Frank’s is keeping the latter alive.

Frank’s Chop Shop has an old-world feel, from the lighting to the exposed brick walls. The vintage barbershop chairs, which they had to hunt down for quite some time, add to the charm. The back wall has a gallery of barbershop pictures from prominent photographers.

Mr. Bee, the head barber at Frank’s Chop Shop.

Frank’s Chop Shop also serves as a showcase for their in-house fitted hats and their FDL hats that are done in collaboration with brands. They also stock fitted hat offerings from other companies – upon quick glance I saw pieces from the Hundreds, Reason, Mishka, Huf and others.

Frank’s Chop Shop
19 Essex Street
New York, NY 10002