It may be difficult to conjure up any “real” landmarks in the Potomac area, however, if there were any place that could come close, many would agree on the Seven Locks Barbershop.

Known as the “go-to” place in Potomac for a quick and reliable haircut, the Seven Locks Barbershop appeals to locals and has also become a fixture in the lives of many CHS students. Located in the Potomac Woods strip mall since 1978, Seven Locks Barbershop is known for its competence, great location and the convenience of the customers being able to walk through the door and be treated within minutes of their arrival.

“My siblings, my dad and I have all gone to Seven Locks Barbershop for many years,” sophomore Sophie Allen said. “It’s really convenient and you don’t need to make an appointment.”

One figure who may seem as legendary as the shop itself is its owner and founder, Bill Stayeas. Known for his hospitable attitude and exuberant demeanor, Stayeas, an immigrant from Greece who came to the United States at age 17, opened the Seven Locks Barbershop after years of doing odd jobs around the area.

“I went to barber school when I was 19 and cut hair part time for a while, but when I was 28 I opened my own carryout business and I did that for a few yeas,” Stayeas said. “I also cleaned carpets to make ends meet.”

After selling his restaurant business, Stayeas returned to Greece for a month before coming back to the United States to begin a new and unknown business venture, which would lead him to opening the barber shop.

Stayeas opened his barbershop on Oct. 4, 1978 and has run a successful business in the same location ever since, cutting the hair of generations of locals and giving each customer a personal greeting as they walk through the door.

“My brother and I have been going to Seven Locks Barbershop for eight years,” freshman Mike Patton said. “The people there always give me the kind of haircut that I want.”

Stayeas shows his customers that he loves them, charming them day after day with his kind presence and witty sense of humor.

“Bill is always so nice and friendly and he always says hi whenever I come in,” Patton said

After finishing a haircut, one can always expect Bill to hold up a mirror behind their head with a smile playing on his face as he jokingly says, “Let me show you my mistakes.” Children can also expect to get lollipop following their haircut, a practice that has gone on in the barbershop for many years.

“I have been going to the barbershop for a long time and I keep going back because everyone there is so nice and friendly from the minute you walk in,” freshman Tara Van Winter said. “They always treat you as fast as possible and I always get excited for my lollipop at the end.”