GVIII Barbershop

GVIII Barbershop is a men's grooming shop at 701 Park Avenue in Rochester, NY, founded by barber Gil Vargas III. The shop operates two Rochester locations — the original Park Avenue storefront and a second on East Avenue — and has expanded into education through the GVIII Barber Academy, which offers a New York State-approved barbering curriculum. The Park Avenue location is staffed by a team of seven barbers, including Wilber, Brett W., Isaiah R., Martin V., Tolga K., Elijah H., and Stef V.

GVIII carries a full menu of men's barbering services, with over 36 options covering a range of cuts and grooming needs:

• Haircuts ($25–$60), including taper fades and design work
• Haircut and beard combinations ($40–$70)
• Scissor cuts ($60–$70) and scissor cut with beard ($70–$80)
• Kids haircuts ($25–$50)
• Edge ups ($20–$30)
• Bald head and beard grooming ($30–$50)
• Hot towel shaves and standalone beard trims

Appointments can be booked online through the Squire platform, though walk-ins are also accepted. The shop takes credit cards and offers gift cards.

GVIII Barbershop is known for its blend of classic barbering technique and contemporary fade work, serving a wide age range from kids to adults. The business has grown beyond a single chair into a multi-location operation with its own training academy, positioning it as both a working shop and a pipeline for new barbers entering the trade in the Rochester area.

The Park Avenue shop sits along one of Rochester's most walkable commercial corridors — a tree-lined stretch running roughly 1.25 miles from Alexander Street to Culver Road. The surrounding block is filled with independent retailers, cafes, and restaurants, including nearby Café Sasso and the longtime gift shop Parkleigh. Street parking is available along Park Avenue, and the neighborhood draws foot traffic year-round, particularly during the annual Park Avenue Festival each August. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday, with hours varying by day; checking online or calling ahead at (585) 820-3644 is recommended for current availability.