Company Name: The Cavern Men's Barber Lounge
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Year Founded: 2021
Website: thecaverncos.com
The Cavern Men’s Barber Lounge, a favorite among locals in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been named the 2024 CO—100 Top Honoree in the Customer Champions category.
In 2021, following the widespread COVID-19 shutdowns, Sabina Gabriele opened her very own barbershop. Over the last three years, she has grown the business successfully by prioritizing the customer experience and offering a welcoming, relaxing environment beyond the typical barbershop.
A relaxing retreat with a personal touch
At The Cavern, the focus has always been on more than just haircuts.
“My ultimate goal for my business was to be more than ‘just a barbershop,’” Gabriele explained. “I wanted to create something completely different within the barbering industry.”
And though this local establishment offers the typical services you may find in any barbershop, like haircuts, beard detailing, straight razor shaves, waxing, and facials, one key differentiator for The Cavern is its beer and wine license, allowing clients to enjoy a complimentary beverage with their service. The unique touch has helped separate The Cavern from other barbershops in the area, allowing clients to unwind after a long day.
These innovative service offerings have helped The Cavern find quick success (it doubled its clientele in 2023 and served about 40,000 total clients that year), but Gabriele primarily credits her talented team.
“Having a successful business takes more than just one person,” she said, emphasizing the importance of hiring individuals who align with her commitment to exceptional customer service.
Gabriele's team has helped cultivate an atmosphere where “everyone who walks through our doors is treated like family.” From the moment they walk in, each client is greeted with warmth and genuine care.
“Our team takes the time to get to know each individual, remembering their preferences and stories, so each visit feels like catching up with old friends,” Gabriele told CO—. “Whether it’s a fresh haircut, a hot towel shave, or just some good conversation, we make sure they leave feeling their best and valued. This … is what keeps our clients coming back, time and again.”
Our team takes the time to get to know each individual, remembering their preferences and stories, so each visit feels like catching up with old friends. Whether it’s a fresh haircut, a hot towel shave, or just some good conversation, we make sure they leave feeling their best and valued. This … is what keeps our clients coming back, time and again.
Sabina Gabriele, Founder, The Cavern Men’s Barber Lounge
Creative marketing that drives customer growth
The Cavern uses a mix of creative marketing approaches to attract and retain clients, with social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok playing a key role. Gabriele keeps these accounts active with engaging content that showcases the shop, the team, and their services. However, the shop's Google page has been one of the most successful marketing tools.
“Google has been the best and extremely successful,” Gabriele said. “I encourage our clients to post reviews for us on our Google page. This has helped us gain popularity in Colorado Springs when people search for barbershops within the area. Google [also] allows customers to book appointments directly or find our contact information quickly, streamlining the process and enhancing their experience.”
Gabriele has even invested in a feature on Fox 21’s "Living Local" segment twice, which has brought in new clientele each time.
When it comes to the details, Gabriele has thought of seemingly everything, from sleek, tactile business cards to well-designed informational brochures.
“I always strive to keep a consistent upscale look,” Gabriele said of her company’s advertising and marketing materials, which are designed to emphasize the luxury and quality clients can expect from their experience.
While these digital and physical marketing tactics have been extremely effective, nothing beats good old-fashioned word-of-mouth recommendations for a service-based business like The Cavern.
“Personal recommendations from friends and family carry significant weight,” said Gabriele. “When clients have a great experience, they naturally want to share it. When we treat every client like family, they feel more inclined to refer us to others.”
Adapting to the economy and future plans
Despite the challenges of opening a business in the aftermath of the pandemic, Gabriele’s persistence and hard work have paid off. In 2024, she opened a second location.
One of Gabriele’s most impactful business decisions was raising prices in response to inflation and offering more value in return.
“I had to rethink my business strategy,” she explained. “I finally came up with a plan to restructure our services. Instead of offering just a haircut, we started including a shampoo, straight razor neck shave with hot lather, and a steamed facial towel.”
To Gabriele’s surprise, the addition of a facial became a huge hit with clients. The pivot toward a luxury brand and service portfolio helped keep the business profitable, despite economic challenges.
“We now prioritize tailored services, taking the time to understand each client’s unique preferences and needs,” said Gabriele. “We’ve introduced premium services, such as signature treatments or special packages, that not only elevate the experience but also make clients feel valued and unique.”
Gabriele also said her team receives specialized training in customer service, focusing on exceptional communication, attentiveness, and creating memorable moments for clients.
As she looks toward the future, Gabriele plans to continue expanding across Colorado and eventually into other states. Her long-term vision includes passing the business down to her daughter, who has been her inspiration since the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey.
“My goal is to work as hard as I can now so I don’t have to when I’m older,” Gabriele explained, sharing her hopes to create a stable future for her family.
With Gabriele’s innovative approach to customer engagement, experience, and growth, The Cavern Men’s Barber Lounge has earned its title as a CO—100 Top Customer Champion.
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