The Barber at 115 NW 2nd Street is about to be the latest addition to the Bentonville bar scene.

The name is a nod to the building’s decades-long history as a barbershop. That history is reflected in the décor, with a barber pole and a sign from its days as Corner Barber & Styling reinstalled.

The bar is owned by Justin and Candice Aguilera. The Aguileras have a background in real estate development and have owned the building for several years. They bought a home in the area in 2022 and split their time between Northwest Arkansas and Nashville.

Justin described the bar’s overall concept as “style meeting tradition.”

Between its time as a barbershop and now, the building housed The Dive, a no-frills bar known for cheap drinks that closed in December.

Justin said the cheap drinks will keep pouring at the new bar, with higher-end liquors and cocktails added to the mix.

“What’s most important is cost efficiency for everybody, whether they want a cheap PBR or Don Julio or Remy Martin,” he said.

The interior has been completely remodeled and now features marble countertops and gold-colored fixtures. A small kitchen has also been added to prepare appetizers and bar snacks.

The indoor occupancy is 23, while the patio can hold close to four times that number. To make use of the outdoor space, the team installed a 9-by-12-foot television.

Although the bar will contribute to Bentonville’s growing nightlife scene, the Aguileras, who have young kids, also want it to be a welcoming daytime hangout for families. They bought a slushy machine and plan to offer free slushies for kids.

“There are so many people that live down here, and they want something that’s family-friendly and where they can go relax,” Candice said.

The team is still finalizing the menu, hours, and other details, with plans to open later this month. The bar’s Instagram handle is @barberbarnwa.