Detroit Barbershop Celebrates 70 years
Ever been to Sam’s Barbershop? This Detroit barbershop celebrates 70 years in business…amazing.
Originally from Naples, Italy, Sam Zeolla, 92, has been a small business owner and fixture in downtown Detroit for 70 years. His loyal clientele has visited him for decades at 719 Griswold St., formerly known as Chrysler House and the Dime Building.
Now, as he celebrates this milestone, Zeolla says the “secret” to his longevity is staying active. He starts each day by walking a mile—18 laps around the second floor of 719 Griswold—before he opens up shop.
How did it start? “It was January 2, 1954 – and I’ve been here ever since,” he said. “Seventy-five cents for a shave and $1.25 for a haircut – so you could get a haircut and a shave for $2.”
I found a really good piece on Sam’s from a couple years back (courtesy of our friends at Channel 4)
Sam still uses a straight razor and old spice. And yes, I’ll be going there soon (apologizes to Ryan’s Barber Shop in Waterford…Mary’s going to kick my butt).
There’s something relaxing about a barbershop like Sam’s. Ryan and I were talking about this in the studio last week. Cash only, people sitting around and joining in conversations about sports, their kids, cars, whatever. It’s relaxing and you leave with a great haircut that I swear lowers your blood pressure.
When I was a kid there was a local barbershop (Vic’s) up on the corner…and if Vic saw I needed a haircut he would simply say “see you tomorrow at 10 Jimmy” and that was that. I’d tell Dad I was going to Vic’s, he’d give my money and I show up at 10am for my haircut (same cut every time). The key was to keep your head down and read the copy of People magazine or Sports Illustrated so the regulars wouldn’t drag you into their conversation (never worked).
Of course if you’re looking for something more unique…remember the barber shop in traffic?
