Garritano’s Magic City Barber Shop was established during the 1950s, when Al Garritano saw a way to serve the haircutting needs of the Barberton community. In the 1960s, Al’s brother Mike joined the business and eventually took over operations. Today Mike and his son Bob run the shop together, maintaining the family-serving-family feel that started under Al’s ownership.
“Coming to work for me is like coming to a social club,” says Mike. But he admits it’s more than that. Magic City Barber Shop is a central part of Barberton and that’s what makes it special.
“Part of our success comes from getting to know our customers,” Bob explains. “You forge a personal relationship with them, and they come back.”
And they bring family members – brothers, fathers-in-law, and especially their sons.
A rite of passage
For Mike and Bob, the years have seen generations come in for a first haircut, a trim, or the latest style.
“They first come in as a grandson,” says Mike. “Soon they’re a young man. Before you know it, they’re bringing their kids in, and eventually their kids bring their kids. Over the years, coming to the barbershop with your father or grandfather really has become something of a rite of passage into manhood.”
At Garritano’s Magic City Barber Shop, Mike and Bob take the greatest pleasure from being a strong part of the fabric of Barberton. Years of experience and many hours of conversation with long-time customers have made this establishment the place to be.
“From the crew cuts of the fifties to the shaggy hair of the sixties to the current trends in men’s cuts, we’re always going to be here with the latest styles to serve our community,” Bob says with pride.
