Frank’s Barbershop marks 50 years at the same location
By Bob Fertsch
When Frank Grasso opened his barbershop Harry Truman was president and the U.S. had just won the second World War. So much of South Jersey has changed over the years, but at Franks Barbershop, time moves a bit slower. Personal service and conversation count. The humble building just off Tilton Road is a place where traditions last.
His son, Jerry was raised sweeping the hair clippings after Frank moved to its present location in Northfield in 1971. The shop hasn’t changed much in the 50 years. From the wood paneling on the walls to the three gold speckled barber chairs. The guys haven’t changed much either. Al “Inky” Engle took over the business in the late eighties. Present owner Mike Vigilante has been in the shop for nearly 40 years himself. Together with Marie Giambalvo and Charlie Molner, they probably have more experience in the one little shop than many of the national haircutting chain stores combined.
Longtime barber, Charlie Molner was 17 when he first decided on his career. “I was at the local barbershop getting a haircut and watching the barber at work. He was shooting the breeze with the customers and talking sports and stuff.” He recalled. “I’m thinking I’d like to do this for a living”. His grandfather was a barber so it kind of runs in the family. “I remember my mom asked what college I may want to attend,” said Charlie.” I said none. Then she said you better learn a trade. I talked to my grandfather and got his enthusiastic approval. That was it.”
Hair trends come and go. Many styles come back full circle. “When I started, it was all short hair and flat tops. And then in the late ’60s and early 70’s it was all long hair, as long as you could grow it. That hurt the business,” he said. Many shops like Frank’s closed. Some went to unisex. Now, national chains like Hair Cuttery and Clips are serving customers who want to get a quick cut and go. The pace at Frank’s Barbershop is a bit slower.
On a recent Friday afternoon, customers trickled into the shop, most heading straight for a particular barber’s chair. Many people, Mike explained, found another way to cut their hair during the pandemic, and the business still hasn’t regained all the customers it once had. “Some are coming back with long, unkempt hair,” he laughed. Around 2:30, one of Charlie’s regulars, Don DeGrazia came in for a haircut. The quiet man walked to an empty seat and patiently waited for his turn for chair number one, which is Charlie’s. How was your birthday? Charlie asked, then explaining to me that he is their oldest customer. “Don is 103 years old.”
While the shop is still in the same place it’s been for 50 years, the neighborhood around it has changed. Customers, once walking in from the east side of Northfield, now drive in from a few towns. Marie proudly explained that some of their customers came in as toddlers getting their first cut. “Now they are bringing in their kids, or grandkids for their first cut.”
When asked about the years of hearing about all the ups, downs, and personal dilemmas of his customers, and whether he gives advice, Charlie replied “I have good ears but I’m just a small-town barber, not a doctor.”
If you need a haircut and enjoy old-fashioned customer service, Franks Barbershop is located at 237 Northfield Avenue in Northfield. You can call 609-646-7544 for more information.
