Celebrating 15 Years of Cuts, Culture, and Seriously Cool Stories
This year marks 15 years of Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop, and let’s just say, the journey has been anything but ordinary. From humble beginnings with no name and no logo, just two weeks before opening, to a global brand delivering millions of haircuts and unforgettable guest experiences, it’s been a ride worth celebrating.
In honour of our 15th anniversary, here are 15 things you probably didn’t know about Tommy Gun’s. Some are surprising, some are legendary, and all of them show what makes us original.
1. We Didn't Even Have a Name Until the Last Minute
Two weeks before opening, Tommy Gun’s didn’t have a name, a logo, or even a sign. After a two-hour brainstorm inspired by 1930s Chicago and New York, the name "Tommy Gun’s" was born. The logo? Approved on the first draft and turned into a storefront sign that same day.
2. Down Under and Dialed In
Tommy Gun’s isn’t just Canadian, we’re international. We have a full office and distribution center on Australia’s Sunshine Coast since launching our first location in Brisbane in 2015. Today, there are more than 14 shops across the country.
3. Where Barbers Become Legends
We take barbering seriously. Our education program is multi-faceted, offering regional training, in-shop mentors, and even our own method of haircutting based on 12 signature cuts. We host Canada's largest barber battle, with over 250 participants, and send our barbers around the world to train with the best.
4. We Pioneered the Digital Check-In
Before apps and kiosks were everywhere, we worked with a developer in Medicine Hat to pioneer the first digital check-in. Each year, we make a significant investment in technology to give our Guests the best experience possible.
5. From Barbers to Business Owners
You don’t need industry experience to own a Tommy Gun’s franchise. While many of our franchise owners come from outside the barbering world, some of our most successful partners started as barbers in our shops, eventually opening their own locations and even growing into multi-unit owners
6. Yes, We Have Our Own University
Tommy Gun’s University (TGU) is our custom-built online learning platform. It provides training for barbers, guest services, and business owners across the network. When we say world-class education, we mean it.
7. Proudly, Unapologetically Canadian
From day one, we’ve been a Canadian family-owned business. With over 100 global locations and more than 50 years of experience behind us, Tommy Gun’s is rooted in tradition, innovation, and a whole lot of national pride.
8. Fast Cars, Fresh Fades
Yes, Tommy Gun’s has been on the racetrack. We’ve raced in three circuit events with our custom race car. We also have two classic cars in the TG collection.
9. Beautiful Okanagan Office
Our Okanagan head office houses over 40 team members, and we also have a national distribution center located in the same city. Our office features a legendary boardroom table made from a single Douglas fir slab. We cut a hole in the wall just to get it in. Worth it.
10. Taking the Fade Worldwide
Tommy Gun’s has gone global. After making our mark in Canada and Australia, we’ve expanded into New Zealand with thriving shops in Auckland’s Glenfield Mall and Sylvia Park. Next stop? The USA, with our newest location that just opened in Sandy, Utah. It’s official, great haircuts has no borders.
11. First Location
The very first Tommy Gun’s opened in November 2009 at Bower Mall in Red Deer. With two levels and even an outdoor waiting area, it quickly became a fan favourite and set the tone for everything to come.
12. 10 Million Haircuts and Counting
We’ve delivered over 10 million haircuts — not to mention shaves, beard trims, facials, and more. Every service is designed to help guests feel sharp, confident, and ready to take on the world.
13. Good Hair, Great Causes
We’ve raised over $500k for men's health-related causes through our Movmeber campaign, sponsored hundreds of youth sports teams, and contributed to tree planting initiatives across the country. Giving back is in our blood.
14. Sit Like a King, Always in Red
Our red leather barber chairs are exclusive to Tommy Gun’s and are based on a 200-year-old design. They’re ultra-comfortable, and just one example of how we invest in quality at every level.
15. Yes, Our Office Manager Has a Pet Pig
His name is Wilbur. He's adorable, a little sassy, and a full-on icon at the Support Office. Just another reason why there’s truly no place like Tommy Gun’s.
Thanks for an incredible 15 years (and many more)!
From Red Deer to the world, thank you for being part of our journey. Whether you're a loyal guest, a talented barber, or a future franchise partner, you’ve helped shape the legacy of Tommy Gun’s.
Here’s to the next 15.
