Prepare for the new year with a fresh new look at Modern Gents Barber and Lounge. The shop officially opened late May 2018, with a soft opening June 16, 2018, and is owned and operated by Danny Rodriguez. It is located at 1492 Main St., North Catasauqua, the former site of Catty Cuts.

Rodriguez, originally of Puerto Rico and currently of Allentown, has been a barber for 20 years and always dreamed of opening his own shop. He said he chose North Catasauqua because the area has a lot of potential for growth, especially with all the recent real estate development nearby.

“I’m not looking short term. I’m looking long term,” he said.

He wanted to create a traditional barbershop with modern cuts. The shop’s motto is “where tradition and comfort matter.”

“Everything old school barbers do, we do,” Rodriguez said.

The shop is described as a high-end facility with a family atmosphere. A family man himself, Rodriguez said he understands the importance of family and wanted to cater to families in the area. He has two sons and a daughter.

Rodriguez wants his shop to be a place for families and the community to come and feel welcome. Determined to give back to the community, Modern Gents offers specials for students in the area.

One special involves free haircuts for students in kindergarten through fifth grade who read books to their barber. Upon completion of the book, the students will then discuss what they just read with their barber. Rodriguez understands comprehension and understanding are just as important and want to ensure the students are getting as much as possible out of the experience.

The shop is also offering a free haircut if a student in sixth through 12th grades makes honor roll. In addition, the shop will take $1 off for each letter “A” grade brought in.

Rodriguez mentioned other shops he worked in offered similar specials, and he wanted to continue offering these incentives in his own shop. Education is important to him, and he wants to give back as much as he can.

Additionally, Rodriguez is planning a back-to-school event in August. He wants to hold this event annually to help students and their families prepare for the new year. He mentioned he has a son in college and understands the pressure that going back to school can put on a family.

Rodriguez is not limiting his specials and events to school-related options only. He also offers $10 cuts for senior citizens. First responders and those in the military, as well as veterans, will receive a 15-percent discount Mondays through Wednesdays.

The barber shop recently held a Christmas toy giveaway Dec. 16, 2018, in partnership with 1st Out 24/7 Bail Bonds. The owners wanted to share their abundance with those in the community who did not have as much this Christmas. Rodriguez reported the event was a success despite the weather being rainy. He mentioned all leftover toys will be donated either to Sheckler Elementary School or to a hospital to be shared with the children there.

“We just like to help out as many people as we can,” Rodriguez said.

The shop is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.