Burkes' Barber Shop: A Cut Above The Rest After All These Years

Betty Dorsey won't be mistaken for Floyd the Barber--but her shop exudes the same small town, intimate feel that famous fictional place was presented as on "The Andy Griffith Show."

As owner and barber at Burkes' Barber Shop, located at 385 Hwy. 51North in Ridgeland, Ms. Dorsey says she wouldn't want to cut hair anywhere else.

"I love working here in Ridgeland," she says. "It's got everything you would want or need and everything is close by. Plus, the people--and my customers--are wonderful. I think it's actually a laid back community and I love that."

And even though she doesn't live in Ridgeland (she commutes from Carthage four days a week), Ms. Dorsey would obviously know a thing or two about the city after having worked at Burkes' since the original owner turned the business over to her about 10 years ago--after she had been his employee for many years before.

"I've been a barber here since 1993," Ms. Dorsey explains, "but when Mr. Lamar Burkes retired he simply let me take over the barber responsibilities. He had originally opened in the mid-1960s at this very same location," she says, "so it's one of Ridgeland's oldest businesses."

Ms. Dorsey says she has built up a loyal and regular clientele over the years but she hears from people all the time about their having driven by the shop for years without know what it actually was.

"I've had many walk-ins who tell me they have lived in Ridgeland for a long time but never realized what we were!" she laughs.

Primarily a barber shop for men, there's nothing fancy about Burkes'--it's not a frilly salon or spa. Again, one is reminded of Floyd's place in Mayberry. You get a quick haircut (no shampooing beforehand) and conversation for an incredibly reasonable price.

"The door is always open and all are welcome," Ms. Dorsey says. And that's the feeling you get while in the chair at Burkes'--welcomed

Unpretentious, homey and like taking a step back in time: Burkes' Barber Shop has been a Ridgeland business treasure due to its longevity and quality reputation--and likely will continue to stay that way for many more years to come.