Montecito Barbers — Santa Barbara, CA
Montecito Barbers is the oldest running barbershop in Santa Barbara that is still managed by its original owners. In fact, the business has been in the Sanchez family hands for three generations. However, it doesn’t just stop there. The history of barbers in the family stems back 6 generations. Montecito Barbers has also been the sole barber shop in Montecito for over 45 years. Probably since they’ve scared their competition away.
The History
It all started in 1964 when Jess Martinez arrived in Montecito. That same year, he purchased a barbershop from Fred Bertrum. The following year, 1965, he started a partnership with Bob Sanchez. Together, on the 13th of December, 1966, they moved their shop to its present location at 1028 - B Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara. Bob’s son, Matt Sanchez decided to start working in the shop and join the business in 1991. He and his wife, Dawn, purchased the business in 1997. They are the current owners of Montecito Barbers.
After spending his youth in the shop, Matt’s eldest son, Josh, also came to work for Montecito Barbers as the Master Barber. It was after six years of working in the shop that he finally decided to buy his own barbershop downtown. Since barbering runs in the Sanchez’ blood, Timmy, Matt’s other son, soon came into the picture.
Today
With Timmy as the Master Barber now, the ambience of the shop has greatly improved. In fact, Montecito Barbers had been collecting awards. Timmy has been voted best barber in Montecito, while the shop has been voted as The Independent’s Best Barbershop two years in a row.
Jess Martinez, the man who started it all, is still active in the business. He is the longest-running barber in Santa Barbara. In fact, he celebrated his 55th anniversary as a barber in August 2011.
“Whether you're looking for a burr, buzzcut, tapered or just a plain old clean cut, our professional barbers have got you covered. For over 65 years, we have been cutting hair in the same location you see today. We are not like your typical barber shop in Santa Barbara either. We love to have fun while you're here. We joke, watch sports ... oh yeah, and we cut hair. Our pricing is simple, yet we take great pride in ensuring you get the best cut in town.”
— Montecito Barbers
1st Generation
Great, Great, Great Grandfather
2nd Generation
Great, Great Grandfather
3rd Generation
Great Grandfather
4th Generation
Bob Sanchez, Grandfather
5th Generation
Matt Sanchez, Father
6th Generation
Josh Luna, Son
Tim Sanchez, Son