Bud's Clip Joint moved, but is still downtown

Long-time Cheney barber is looking for new location despite recent move down First Street

By BECKY THOMAS

Staff Reporter

Bud Luiten is on the lookout for a new home for his longtime Cheney barbershop, Bud's Clip Joint.

Luiten said that after building owner Steve Emtman evicted him from his previous establishment in November he had to move his shop to a storefront at 510 First St., also owned by Emtman. Luiten said he's not very happy with the new location, however, and is still looking for a more permanent home.

“I've got people looking all over town,” he said. Many of the open locations are outside his price range, he said.

Luiten is dedicated to his job. He started cutting hair at Fairchild Air Force Base decades ago before opening a shop in Spokane, later moving to Cheney.

“I like Cheney,” he said. Though Luiten has struggled for years with throat cancer and is facing another surgery, the 75-year-old barber said he plans to die at 92.

“Shot by a jealous 21-year-old boyfriend,” he said with a laugh. Of course, he may be late to his own funeral, he said, “because I've got customers.”

Becky Thomas can be reached at [email protected].