As customers file through the doors of Palace Barber Shop in downtown McKinney, they either take a seat in the red chairs lining the wall or go immediately to a barber chair. For the most part, customers do not get asked what service they would like performed, nor do they need to volunteer the information, the service just ensues.

“I walk in, sit down and Linda or John already know what I want,” said Jerry Brooks, McKinney resident and longtime customer. “I don’t have to tell them anything.”

The first barbershop opened in 1892 at 204 E. Louisiana St. in downtown McKinney and it has been a barbershop since then, current business owner Linda Marshall said. Marshall, who is a McKinney resident, started working as a barber at Palace Barber Shop in 1979 and became the fifth business owner in 2007.

The set up

There are four barbers who work at Palace Barber Shop including Marshall. Beau Bonner considers himself a relative newbie to the occupation in that he only has four years of industry experience. However, he said between the other three barbers, they have over a 100 years of experience.


A regular haircut is the top requested service at the barber shop. Shaves, flat tops and beard trims are also available.
Beau Bonner gives Chris Gangi a haircut at Palace Barber Shop. (Karen Chaney/Community Impact)
Beau Bonner gives Chris Gangi a haircut at Palace Barber Shop. (Karen Chaney/Community Impact)


Marshall said when she started working at the barber shop, haircuts cost $3, today they are $25.

The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday.

“I'm not here Sunday and Monday because Sunday is the Lord's day and Monday is Linda’s day,” Marshall said.


Marshall said they have watched customers grow up, move away from McKinney and stop by for a haircut when they’re in town. She visits nursing homes to give her longtime customers haircuts and has even given post-mortem haircuts. She finds comfort in her faith when caring for these customers.

“Being absent from this body is to be present with the Lord when you know the Lord,” Marshall said.

Meet the owner

Marshall was born and raised in McKinney. While attending McKinney High School, she took cosmetology classes. Besides working at a nursing home while in high school, and a brief stint at a different McKinney barbershop, Marshall has called Palace Barber Shop her work home for over four decades.


“When I started working here, the guy customers didn’t want me working here. They all had bets on how long I would stay,” Marshall said. “I love what I do. I love getting up and coming to work.”