The History of Joe’s Barbershop Chicago - A Legacy in Logan SquarE

1946

Joseph G. Caccavella Is born in Foggia, Italy

Joe was the 3rd child born to his parents, Vittorino & Donata Caccavella. Joe would end up being one of seven children.

1955

Vittorino & Donata move the entire family to America

They settled in the “Little Italy” neighborhood of Chicago. That's Joe Sr. above with the crooked tie.

1956

Once in America, Vittorino pursued his dream of becoming a barber

He graduated barber school and quickly obtained the license that gave him the title of Master Barber. “Vic’s Barber Shop” was located on Chicago & Cicero Ave in Chicago.

1964

Joe Sr. graduateS barber school and obtaineS the license of “Master Barber” as his father did before him

Out of school Joe Sr. worked in a busy barber shop located in a popular downtown Chicago hotel.

1965

Joe Sr. Is drafted into the u.s. Army

Once Joe returned back home he took over the 2nd chair of “Sam’s Barber Shop” located on California & Fullerton ave in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. In 1968 Joe bought out old man Sam’s shop for $1 and it became “Joe’s Barbershop." The two chair shop was open at this location until 1985.
(Pretty Cool ice cream shop is located there today.)

1985

Joe Sr. purchaseS the building at 2641 West Fullerton Ave where the shop currently stands today

2010

Joe’s son Joe Jr. graduateS barber school and joinS the shop

His graduation from school in the fall of 2010 made Joe Jr. the third generation of licensed barber’s in his family.

2010

A third chair Is added to the shop

The chair that was added is the last remaining chair from Joe Sr. fathers shop. The addition of the third chair (and barber) was a welcome addition to the shop with it’s growing popularity. At this point the average wait time was well over one hour for your time in the chair.

2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

The shop Is voted Chicago’s “Best Barbershop” in The Chicago Readers 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, & 2016 polls

2011

The “Pop-Up Joe’s” mobile barbershop setup is launched

The mobile shop can be setup in under a hour and is a fully functional barbershop offering two licensed barbers, traditional haircuts and hot towel straight razor shaves just like the real Joe’s Barbershop. The mobile setup is perfect for corporate events, parties, etc.

2012

The shop is named one of the 16 BEST barbershops in the nation by Details Magazine in their June/July 2012 issue

2013

Sixty8 Provisional Company is born

Third-generation Chicago barber Joe Caccavella Jr. begins his quest to create a line of high-quality, affordable men’s grooming products that both satisfy his customers and meet the needs of professional barbers like himself. Combining his passion, the expertise of his father Joe Caccavella Sr. (a master barber with 50+ years cutting hair), two of the shop’s regulars — and some whiskey — Sixty8 Provisional Company is born.

2015

The shop doubles in size

The shop more than doubles , from three barber chairs to seven and from 5 waiting chairs to 20. Same barbers (just a few more friendly faces), same simple attitude, same no appointment policy, etc.

2018

The shop Turns 50!

Way back in 1968, Joe Caccavella Sr. opened the doors to his little 2 chair Barbershop in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. The 21 year old had just returned from Vietnam and was just about to get married and start a family. Fast forward to 2018 and the now 71 year old Joe Sr. opens the doors to the current / expanded shop that he has called home for 50 years! Joe Sr. and I (Joe Jr.) thank you for all of your business and support for the past 50 years and look forward to another 50+ more.

2020

The world changes / The shop goes to appointments

With all the changes 2020 gave the world, one was our shop evolving from a first-come/first-serve walk-in setup to an appointment-based model. At first this change was required by the health department to avoid the usual crowds waiting for the haircuts we’re known for. We’ve kept the appointment-based system going forward for your convenience.

2024

sHOP FOUNDER JOE CACCAVELLA sr. retires after 56 years.

After 56 years of dedicated service, Joe Caccavella Sr., founder of Joe’s Barbershop in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood has officially retired. Since opening in 1968, Joe Sr. has become a neighborhood icon, shaping the lives of his clients and his community with the same precision he applied to every haircut.

Joe’s Barbershop has always been a family affair. In 2010 Joe’s son, Joe Caccavella Jr., a third-generation barber, took over the day-to-day operations, continuing the family. Under Joe Jr.’s leadership, the shop has maintained its reputation as one of Logan Square’s most trusted barbershops, staying true to the traditional techniques his father perfected over decades.

“Running this shop has been my life’s work, and seeing my son carry it on makes my retirement all the more meaningful,” says Joe Sr. “The barbershop is in great hands with my son Joe Jr., and I know he’ll keep the legacy going strong.”

As Joe Sr. steps away from the chair, the shop remains fully operational, offering the same high-quality services customers have trusted for over half a century.