Nostalgia Back at Barber Shop Thanks to New Owner

Chris Bonanno wants his customers to feel comfortable. As the newest owner of G&S Barber Shop, he wants to bring a nostalgic feel back to the business, something he said that’s missing from a lot of hair stylists in the area.

“There's something about those old barber shops where people used to hang out and talk,” Bonanno said. “People would gather there and talk about issues of the day, issues that were important to them. There was a real sense of community at those places.”

But hanging out is the only characteristic Bonanno wants to bring back. G&S offers customers the opportunity to get a straight razor shave complete with hot shaving cream.

“You can’t that hardly anywhere anymore,” Bonanno said.

Gerry and Sal, G&S, owned the long-standing Hamburg Turnpike business for years until Bonanno purchased it recently.

Bonanno worked at G&S before he decided to purchase it. He’s worked at barber shops since he was a teenager. 

“It’s a great way to make a living,” Bonanno said. “People are seeing that there’s value in going into the customer service industry. It’s also a great way to meet people. I love talking with people. There’s a human element to it and that’s what I love.”

Bonanno said he wants to get to know his customers and vise versa, something that you don’t always get with franchises or larger establishments.

“If I can get to know them as people that’s great, that’s what I want,” Bonanno said. “Wayne is such a hub for Bergen and Passaic Counties. It’s a great place to be,” Bonanno said. “It’s such an eclectic town.”

G&S is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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