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A McLean barbershop that served generations of customers at Chesterbrook Shopping Center has reopened nearby after its community rallied to help it survive an unexpected relocation.

Chesterbrook Barber Shop celebrated its grand reopening Sunday at 6262-F Old Dominion Drive. The business had operated at the shopping center since 1967, making it one of the development’s original tenants.

Federal Realty Investment Trust acquired the shopping center in 2021 and reportedly declined to renew the shop’s lease. Owner Peggy Ngo said she learned the storefront was being advertised for lease when a customer alerted her last year.

Ngo, who immigrated from Vietnam in the 1980s, began working at the barbershop soon afterward. About 15 years ago, she took over from longtime owner Ernie Tyrell, who died in 2018.

Through modest prices and close personal relationships, Ngo continued building the shop’s loyal clientele of local families, older residents and retired military members. She credits customers with helping her learn English, supporting her through the years and enabling her to put her children through college.

Losing the longtime storefront was devastating. Ngo appealed to the property’s new owner to remain but was unsuccessful.

Customers then stepped in. More than 200 people signed a letter last summer describing the shop’s importance to the community. Neighbors with backgrounds in commercial law, real estate and construction assisted Ngo in finding and preparing a new location, while others helped launch a new website.

The new shop sits in the commercial strip near Chesterbrook that includes Tennis Topia and Fonts Books & Gifts. Ngo said the brighter space has received an enthusiastic response from returning customers, even as the upheaval of the past year remains painful.

Chesterbrook Barber Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.