AKRON - For the first time in five years, Akron has a barber shop, thanks to Terry Runkle's decision to move into the room formerly occupied by Tom Holloway, who retired on January 21, 2006, after cutting hair in Akron for more than 50 years.
Runkle opened his shop on February 17 with little fanfare and soon was busy with customers. A native of this area, he likes what he sees in Akron-a good quality community thinking ahead and working together. "I am proud of this town," he said. " It's as nice now as it was when I was a kid, maybe even better. The community center is definitely an asset to the entire area."
A 1968 graduate of Akron High School and son of Ina Runkle, Rochester, and the late Gerald Runkle, he said, "I have a lot of memories in Akron. It's my home and it always will be."
Actually, he lives in Peru, but he has ties throughout the area. He cut hair in Warsaw for 22 years and owned the Dairy Queen in Rochester for several years. His wife, Deb, owns a tanning salon next to DQ, and he operates Runkle Motors located behind her salon. His daughter, Amy Runkle, lives in Kentucky, and his stepson, Brandon Slone, lives in Rochester.
Thanks to Rob Newman, the building's owner, the barber shop has a crisp, modern look that Runkle appreciates. "Everyone wins if we bring more people to Akron," he said.
Runkle Barber Shop is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. It will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
