Popular barbershop on Brisbane’s northside forced to close after a car plunged through shop front

The owner of a popular northside business burst into tears when hearing a car had plunged through her store narrowly missing staff and customers. It comes after she pleaded with body corporate to install bollards.

A shop owner has been left heartbroken after she was forced to close her pride and joy yet again after an unwelcome guest.

Barberotos, a barbershop and espresso bar on Brisbane’s northside will remain shut until further notice after a car smashed into the shop front.

Customers and staff were lucky to escape with nothing more than a fright after the shocking accident on Monday morning.

A popular barbershop on Brisbane's northside is closed until further notice after a car plunged through the shop front. Picture: Facebook.

Emergency services were called to the store on Dohles Rocks Rd at Murrumba Downs just after 8.30am.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said a crew responded to reports of a single vehicle crash into a shop.

However, the crew wasn’t required.

No one was taken to hospital.

It’s understood a Murrumba Downs woman, in her 80s, was behind the wheel of the RAV4 when it smashed into the bi-fold doors.

A popular barbershop on Brisbane's northside is closed until further notice after a car plunged through the shop front. Picture: Facebook.

Owner Shantell Otto took to social media to confirm the closure, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that we will be closed until further notice”.

“Unfortunately we have had an incident in the shop today that has resulted in a lot of damage to our premises.

“We will keep you updated on our situation and hopefully see you all back in store soon.”

Ms Otto was on holidays at the time of the incident returning from jet-skiing to several missed calls.

“I didn’t actually think it was about the shop, I was more worried about my kids,” she said.

“I was told that a car has smashed through the front of the shop and my main concern was any of the staff or customers injured.

“I burst into tears.”

The business owner said it could’ve been much worse.

“We usually have a lot of regulars that sit at those tables and they come from the retirement village across the road,” she said.

“It just so happened that they turned up late yesterday.

“It was their lucky day I guess.”

A popular barbershop on Brisbane's northside is closed until further notice after a car plunged through the shop front. Picture: Facebook.

The busy mother-of-four says she’s heartbroken her business has taken another hit.

“I’ve only been open two years, so three months before Covid hit so I haven’t had much luck,” she said.

“I’ve had lockdowns and I’ve had to stand staff down and now I have to do it again.

“I can’t afford to pay wages when I’m not making any money.”

Ms Otto told Quest Newspapers she’s not sure how long the repairs and clean up will take.

“Hopefully it’s not too long,” she said.

“I’m having insurance assessors come out and look at the damage

“We put some temporary doors in to secure my business (yesterday).”

Ms Otto believes the accident could have been avoided if bollards had been installed in the carpark.

“For the last two years I have asked body corporate to put a bollard in front of my shop,” she said.

“The disabled car parks are in front and I’ve been waiting for the day to happen.”