Monty’s Barbershop, a time-honored Ames establishment, will soon be no more — in name, that is. Meet Troy Cakerice, the newest owner of the business.

Cakerice, an Ames native who previously cut hair in Story City, has had his eye on Monty’s since barber school.

“Basically, this is the spot I’ve always wanted … it’s one of the busiest spots in the state,” Cakerice said. 

At the beginning of each school year, new potential customers arrive in Ames — many of whom remain loyal decades after graduation.

“If I can keep [up] what [Monty] had, things will go well,” Cakerice said. 

Cakerice began cutting hair about seven years ago at the urging of Al Thompson, the first owner of the Head Shop on Welch Ave.

“I was a student at Iowa State in [physical education] and basically it wasn’t really for me,” Cakerice said. “I always had an itch to get into barbering and the rest is history.”

Cakerice described himself as a “people person”, a quality essential to the creation of the unique barbershop atmosphere. He regards his customers as friends, and offers reasonable prices for services rendered.

Cakerice said he will wait a few months before changing the name decal in the window to allow his new clientele time to get used to the change in management.

“I’d like to thank Monty for giving me the opportunity to buy his business,” Cakerice said. “This is the spot . . . . If I could do what he did —live up to his standards — why, I’d have a good business here.”