Step through the door of Matt’s on Mendon in Cumberland, Rhode Island, and you’re transported — not just back in time, but into something timeless. The gentle hum of clippers, the scent of shaving cream, the gleam of century-old chairs — it’s nostalgia, yes, but alive and breathing. This is no museum. It’s a working tribute to craftsmanship, character, and connection — the vision of owner Matt Lussier, who has spent 25 years perfecting both the cut and the conversation.

“I’ve always loved barbering and the old-school feel,” Matt says. “But I wanted to bring that experience to today’s customer — a place where tradition meets convenience.”

Every inch of the shop tells a story: antique barber poles, polished cabinets, and tools that once shaped generations — all alongside modern equipment and comforts. “You’ll sit in a chair from the 1930s,” he laughs, “but don’t worry — the clippers are brand new.”

Cuts. Character. Community.
What truly sets Matt’s on Mendon apart isn’t the décor — it’s the heartbeat. On a road lined with nearly thirty barbershops, Matt built something different: a place that remembers why barbershops mattered in the first place.

Growing up in Blackstone, Massachusetts, Matt’s path began with a pair of Christmas clippers and a dare from his mother. “I thought I could do better,” he says. “And she called my bluff.” The basement quickly filled with friends, laughter, and the first spark of a calling.

After detours through college and even turf management in Florida — “I went from cutting hair to cutting grass to cutting hair again,” he jokes — a simple comment from a coworker changed everything: You belong in an air-conditioned barbershop, not mowing in the sun. Within months, he was back home chasing purpose instead of a paycheck.

A Team That Loves What They Do
Fifteen years later, Matt’s on Mendon has become a cornerstone of the community, staffed by eight barbers and stylists who share his passion. “Everyone here loves what they do,” Matt says. “That’s what clients feel when they walk in — genuine pride.”

Each barber brings a specialty — from long hair to beard sculpting to precision fades — and soon, clients will be able to find their perfect match through an online barber-matching system. “Some guys want quiet. Others want conversation. We’ll help you find your fit. It’s about people, not just hair.”

Reviving the Ritual
While styles change, one tradition has made a powerful comeback: the hot towel shave. “It’s not just grooming,” Matt explains. “It’s therapy.” The full lay-down shave — steam, exfoliation, a classic straight-razor finish — has become a signature service. “We bring back the ritual, the pause. It’s an experience most men didn’t realize they were missing.”

Becoming Part of Cumberland
When Matt first opened his doors, he wasn’t a local. “I didn’t know anyone,” he admits. “But I showed up, stayed consistent, and gave back.” Over time, through youth sponsorships, fundraisers, and genuine connection, the community embraced him. “Now people say, ‘You feel like one of us,’ and that means the world.”

Today, fathers bring their sons for first haircuts. Old friends reconnect in the waiting area. Strangers become regulars. “Barbering is one of the last places where people still talk,” Matt says. “That’s sacred to me.”

Full Circle
From a basement in Blackstone to a bustling barbershop on Mendon Road, Matt’s journey is one of grit, grace, and gratitude. “I never set out to build something big,” he says. “I just wanted to make people feel good about themselves.”

That simple mission — to serve with heart — became the foundation of a Rhode Island institution. At Matt’s on Mendon, every cut is a connection, every shave a story, and every visit a reminder that tradition never goes out of style.

This business story brought to you by Anchor Auto Group in North Smithfield RI