Boxer Randy Caballero ventures into barbershop business
Local boxer Randy Caballero is fresh off his first world championship, and now, fresh off his first venture into local business. He was approached with plenty of ideas, but one idea stood out above the rest. Caballero recalls, “one day I was sitting down with one of my, the barber that was cutting my hair, and he said, ‘why don’t you open a barbershop?'”
“El Matador” did just that, opening up his vision of a barbershop man-cave. The barbershop, called “El Matador Cutz” opened in early September, with the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thusday in Indio. Caballero, along with his friends, family, and community were all there to support for the Coachella boxer that’s won 22-straight bouts without a blemish in his career. “I couldn’t be here because I was in training camp, so my wife was the one holding everything down, making sure it was open and the guys were working good. So this is a family thing. We’ve taken care of it and we’re ready to make this thing the biggest thing in the Valley.”
Instead of magazines and chairs, there’s TVs and a pool table, giving men an alternative place to go when females patron other businesses in the area that cater to their opposite likings. The Indio Chamber of Commerce, as well as local businesses in the same plaza on the northeast corner of Monroe Street and Highway 111 are happy with the addition. Wen Vu has worked at “Nails For You” for 10 years, and sees a win-win scenario with his new next door neighbor. “I’ve been talking to him, and a woman and a guy come around, get a barber and nails done at the same time,” said Vu. Joshua Bonner, president and CEO of the Indio Chamber of Commerce agrees. “I think barber shops are kind of the heartbeat of any community.” Bonner said. “You go there, the conversations, having someone like the champ open one up, means a lot to the community, means a lot to his friends and family that are in the area, and again, we’re excited to have him. I know the community will embrace this business with open arms.”
The ribbon cutting was Indio’s fourth of the week, and Caballero hopes his new business venture will thrive in the community that helped make him a champion.
