Vann Cut barber shop to open in Frayser
For the past 16 years, Carnell Vann has worked at Distinguished Looks barber shop in Frayser.
That was where he refined his skill and while helping to manage the business, that’s where he learned how he would one day run his own shop. After years of waiting, he will soon get to put those entrepreneurial skills to work.
He will soon open Vann Cut, a fivechair barber shop in a shopping center at 2546 N. Watkins St. in Frayser. He will share the plaza with a soul food restaurant and a tire shop.
“This is something I should have done 10 years ago,” Vann said at a Wednesday afternoon meeting with the Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) of Memphis and Shelby County’s finance committee.
The EDGE committee approved a $20,000 forgivable loan to help with the cost of opening the barber shop. If Vann keeps the business open at least three years, his loan balance will be wiped away.
Vann said the loan made it possible for him to open his shop, which he said will focus not only on cutting hair but also on serving the Frayser community. The money will be spent on electrical, lighting, plumbing and HVAC upgrades as well as other cosmetic features.
Opening the shop is a $52,000 project.
The finance committee also approved a $20,000 forgivable loan for Miles Tamboli to open his new restaurant Tamboli Pasta & Pizza at 1761 Madison Ave. in Midtown. The building was home to the recently closed Fuel Cafe restaurant.
“When Fuel closed, I saw the opportunity to scale up what I’m already successfully doing now,” he told the committee.
Tamboli’s family has owned the building since the mid-1990s and has leased the space out to several restaurants over the years.
With the money, Tamboli plans to enclose the patio area to add more seating to the restaurant that can be used year round. On average, the pasta offerings will cost about $12 while the pizza will range from $12 to $26 depending on the size, he said.
Desiree Stennett covers economic development and business at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at desiree.stennett@commercialappeal. com, 901-529-2738 or on Twitter: @desi_stennett.