Sandra and Paul Norris have a long history with Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club. In September 2005, the Florida-based couple became one of the first owners of a Carr’s—a franchise of British-style barber clubs. But when Chris Hurn came on board as the new owner, he decided it was time for a change. He was impressed with the old-timey British vibe and its strong business model, but not with the name. So when he finalized his purchase of the business, he decided to make the change. Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club was born, and existing franchisees like the Norris’ were eager to embrace this new reincarnation of a brand they had already come to know and love.
But while the name and feel of the franchise had shifted to encompass a more gentlemanly, American feel, the distinctly British atmosphere remained in the Norris’ Baldwin Park, Florida location—after all, the couple emigrated from England to America in 2005.
For nearly 25 years, Paul had served in the UK military. Meanwhile, Sandra was working as a marketing manager in a home building company. After Paul had officially wrapped up his full term of service, the couple realized this was the perfect opportunity to try something new. So they secured their American Visas, hopped on a plane and began their trans-Atlantic journey to their new home in Florida. A few months later, despite having no background in the franchise industry, they were opening the doors to their very first business—Carr’s Barber Club. They ran the location successfully for nearly three years, but when the company changed hands and became
Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club, they were eager to become some of the first franchisees under this new and improved model.
“We were so excited to become a part of Kennedy’s. People seem to have this innate yearning to belong to things, and Kennedy’s has this incredibly welcoming model that makes every single person who walks through their doors feel like they’re getting that special, one-of-a-kind treatment,” Sandra said. “We love seeing how this model changes the everyday lives of our customers.”
Kennedy’s is unique in that it has taken that nostalgic, old-school barbershop and introduced a membership element. For regular clients, becoming a member comes with irresistible perks—unlimited monthly haircuts, signature straight razor shaves, high-end grooming products and many more indulgent add-ons.
The Norris’ have found that customers are willing to pay the monthly fee, not only for the haircuts, but also to have a club to which they can belong. Sandra believes that having the monthly membership tends to steady a unit’s ship.
“The Kennedy’s model has brought us incredibly loyal clientele,” Sandra added.
Their store’s location has also been a big contributor to their success over the past few years. Located in Baldwin Park, a city that’s only a short five mile drive from Orlando, the Norris’ are catering to an affluent area filled with local families.
“It’s such a family-oriented area. Residents in this area realize that Kennedy’s is a family-friendly place with a welcoming environment,” Sandra said. “Every Saturday we have the same dad’s coming in with their sons—it’s heartwarming, and it’s exactly what you’d hope it would look like.”
But the Kennedy’s model isn’t just good for clients—it’s good for employees, too. And Sandra believes the brand’s nurturing system—for franchisees, clients and employees alike—will contribute to their continued success in the years to come.
“Our staff has been with us for nine to 10 years, and one of our employees has been with us ever since we opened. It’s a good reflection of the industry, of the business and of our location. There’s no reason anyone would want to move or leave,” Sandra said. “We’re in a good groove, and we’re so happy with where we are. It’s a sign that the Kennedy’s model works. It shows that our management works. And it shows that it’s a business people truly feel connected to.”
To learn more about development opportunities with Kennedy’s, click here. 
