A luxury barbershop concept has officially arrived in downtown Owensboro, with Mancave for Men opening its doors on Friday.
The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony just before owner Cody Waters gave his first haircut inside the new space, located at 234 Frederica Street, Suite #102.
Waters and his wife, Arielle, are bringing the Florida-based franchise to Kentucky for the first time. They started the process in April 2024, carefully working to find the right location and complete a three-and-a-half-month buildout.
“We wanted a prime location where we could meet the walk-in clientele, the driving clientele — everybody in general,” Waters said. “The contractors did an amazing job, and now here we are, ready to serve.”
The shop opened with Waters and one additional barber on staff, but plans are in place to expand to up to eight barbers or cosmetologists. Waters emphasized the experience customers will receive, describing it as a blend of old-school barbershop atmosphere with modern luxury services.
“Every haircut comes with a shampoo and a hot towel — it’s mandatory,” Waters said. “It’s about creating an experience. I want people to walk out and say, ‘I’m glad I went there.’”
In addition to haircuts and hot towel shaves, Man Cave for Men will offer beard treatments, facials, scalp massages, coloring, and correction services. Future plans include installing a massage chair and offering additional spa-like treatments for men.
The Waterses’ goal is to offer something different from the traditional quick-stop barbershop. Waters said he recognized a need in Owensboro for a higher-end men’s grooming experience where clients could not only get a haircut but truly relax.
Friday’s opening drew a large crowd of family, friends, contractors, and community members — something Waters said meant a lot to him.
Kitty Jones, director of membership for the Chamber, said the event was a perfect example of what the organization supports.
“Today’s event was so special for all of us,” Jones said. “To see young people create a new concept in our community is right in line with what our Chamber is all about. Cody and Arielle Waters not only embody entrepreneurial spirit — they have a love for our community that is infectious. They are truly creating a destination for men in Owensboro that will add to our quality of life and our downtown development.”
The shop is part of a growing franchise founded in 2011 in Boca Raton, Florida, by Marlene and Emad Aovida. It now boasts 31 locations, with Owensboro marking the first in Kentucky.
“This is a luxury experience — much more than just a haircut,” said Marcie Strahm, vice president of franchise development. “Men can get straight-edge shaves, hot towel treatments, scalp massages, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and more. We’re meeting the demand for men’s grooming services in a way that’s upscale and comfortable.”
Strahm said she was impressed with Owensboro’s community spirit and economic growth, noting that Cody and Arielle’s connections to the city will help the location thrive. Plans are already in motion to expand Man Cave for Men into additional cities across Kentucky.
Mason McNulty, executive director for the Kentucky Board of Barbering, also attended Friday’s opening. He said the concept is unique for Kentucky but believes it could mark the beginning of a trend.
“It’s kind of an unusual concept for barbering in Kentucky, but I think it’s going to be fantastic,” McNulty said. “Most barber shops are still mom-and-pop operations. This corporate model is different, and this is the first one like it in Owensboro.”
For more background on the Waterses’ journey to open the shop, read OT’s previous feature here.
