Lebowski is a salon for Dudes

Film buffs who know "The Big Lebowski" know that "The Dude abides."

But does he have a decent haircut?

"He would if he came here," says Kip Fowler, co-owner of a new Tampa barber salon that celebrates the spirit of the 1998 cult film.

Open just more than two months, Lebowski Barber Salon is a 5,000-square-foot shop on Channelside Drive designed "for the well-groomed dude."

"This is not your father's barbershop," says Fowler, who often greets customers while wearing a bathrobe, baggy pants and Hawaiian shirt.

The outfit recalls the unemployed slacker character played by Jeff Bridges: Jeffrey Lebowski, aka His Dudeness, or, uh, Duder, or El Duderino.

Kip, a barber, and his brother, Ken Fowler, say they are trying to bring a little theater and fun to male grooming.

"We have created the ultimate man cave," says Ken, a former hospital administrator. "In here, every guy can be The Dude."

He explains that there is no copyright issue because the "concept of being a 'Dude' predates the movie," as does the name "Lebowski."

Their colorful shop has a retro feel. The motif is part gameroom and part garage mechanic chic.

There are wide-screen TVs tuned to sports channels, and guy-themed movies will be available once the DVD system is installed. There are plans to add a carwash outside and serve food.

There are pool tables, an air hockey game, a foosball game, an indoor golf driving range, Internet access and leather couches and chairs around a rug that really ties the room together.

Otherwise there is nothing that connects the salon to filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen and "The Big Lebowski," which is a twisted comedic homage to Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep."

The $25 dollar Full Lebowski includes a haircut, manicure, shoeshine, hot towel treatment, rubdown, scalp massage and the "hurricane shampoo" (put on swim goggles and get your head hosed down in what resembles a small carwash). The works also comes with a free beverage (soft drinks, energy drinks and beer are available).

The Fowler brothers say they are giving away beer until they can get a beer and wine license.

The two hairstylists on staff are women who also do manicures and shampoos. They dress to different themes each day. One day, for example, is "Daisy Duke Day."

Vanessa Gomes and Kandey Franklyn say that so far the job has been fun. "I'm a big fan of the movie," Gomes says. "And this place is different from anywhere that I have worked before."

Rich Heath, 26, who says he is a repeat customer, says he didn't make the connection between the movie and the barbershop until someone pointed it out.

"I just wanted to come in here because it's a cool place," he says. "And I like having a beer with my haircut."

Ken says the salon is designed to appeal to guys in their 20s and 30s looking for a place that women haven't invaded. It's as much about providing a gathering place as it is about providing haircuts.

Lebowski, at 1254 Channelside Drive, is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Web site is http://lebowskicuts.com.