Dave’s Barber Shop and Shaving Parlor has opened in the Washington House, 333 First St.

The Washington House has been part of Benicia’s downtown since it was built in 1850. The building has been the home to many types of businesses throughout the decades, including a bordello, Chinese lottery and a speakeasy during Prohibition.

Now it’s home to a traditional barber shop.

“It only seems fitting to add a barber to the long list of proprietors,” said Amy C. Anderson, in the Office of the General Counsel of the State Bar of California, who provided information about the new Benicia business.

The company’s owner is Dave Vallejos, a master barber and sole proprietor of the shop, who received his barber license in 2000.

Vallejos was mentored at Al’s Barber Shop in downtown Vallejo by the late Alvin Carbullido.

“Uncle Al” or “Mr. Al,” as Carbullido was called by many, served up both cuts and conversation for more than 30 years, and taught Vallejos the skills of the trade.

Vallejos took the skills he acquired from Carbullido and was offered his own shop by John Verducci, who had his own shop on Springs Road for more than 30 years. After Verducci retired, Vallejos decided to open Dave’s Barber Shop.

Vallejos has used as his business template the tradition of barbering that thrived in the mid-1800s to early 1900s, since he specifically trained to cut men’s hair using clippers and a razor.

His services include hot towel, straight-razor shaves, cuts and grooming, and his cuts include a warm-lather razor line.

“Dave’s Barber Shop & Shaving Parlor caters specifically to the gentleman who wishes to take a step back in time and fraternize with the fellas,” Anderson said.

The shop is in Suite B of the Washington House, 333 First St., and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Those interested may call 707-746-1100.

Salon adds consignment merchandise

Milinda Perry Salon, 117 East F St., is adding a high-end consignment shop of women’s fine clothing and shoes, as well as such accessories as belts, hats, handbags and jewelry.

Milinda has been a hairstylist for more than 18 years. The salon offers image consulting, a full line of makeup and assistance from a professionally trained makeup artist, Molly Schessow, whose lessons are available by appointment.

Milinda Perry Salon’s grand opening is at 5 p.m. Thursday. It’s a catered event open to the public. Those interested may call the salon at 707-361-5097.

Lucca Bar and Grill changes hours

Lucca Bar and Grill, 439 First St., has changed its hours.

The restaurant is now open 11 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 10 a.m. Sundays. Dinner is served until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Chef Michael Robertson prepares a “New American Cuisine” menu with seasonal changes.

Among the new season’s selections are local, fresh, sustainable fall produce, smoked rib plates Tuesday nights and Mary’s Fried Chicken on Wednesdays.

The restaurant’s happy hours are from 3-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, with drink specials from 3-6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Lucca Bar and Grill also has added a late-night happy hour from 10 p.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays with dollar-off drink specials.

Those interested may visit www.luccabar.com or follow the restaurant online on Facebook.

The Benicia Herald’s weekly Benicia Business Beat column is an opportunity for local businesses and companies to tell our readers about such news as moves, grand openings, awards, promotion of employees, staff changes and changes in goods and services.

Submissions need to answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how, preferably in the body of an email, and provide contact information.

Deadline is 3 p.m. Friday for news items that will appear in the next Tuesday edition’s Benicia Business Beat. Please email news releases and accompanying high-resolution photographs and logos to beniciaherald@gmail.com, and put “Attn. Business Beat” in the subject line, as well as the name of the business.

The Benicia Herald also appreciates area companies’ advertising patronage. For advertising services, call 707-745-0733 or email adsbenicia@yahoo.com.

—Donna Beth Weilenman