After Decades, The Haircut Place on Sound Beach Ave Seeks a New Home

The Haircut Place in the village of Old Greenwich has operated since 1958.

That might be coming to an end.

Owner, John Hilton, who started working at the barber shop back in July 1982 and took over the business in January 1999, explained that originally the owners were “two Franks” – Frank Cognetta and Frank Cornacchio.

Mr. Hilton said the writing was on the wall after ownership of the property passed from his longtime landlord Beth Campbell to her son, who in turn sold the property. The commercial building also had a residential house in the rear, which was split off and sold.

“Basically this person bought the building which had been in the estate of Beth Campbell, the late landlord, who died just before she was to sign the leases. The son was taking over the estate and didn’t want to sign any leases,” he said.

Hilton said when the new owner increased the rent from $3,500 a month to $7,000, he knew he couldn’t afford it.

“I have people whose hair I’ve cut for years who now come in with their kids. I feel sad, honestly, because this is like my home,” he said.

“I’ll miss it, unless I can find something else, ideally in Old Greenwich,” he continued, adding that while the current space is roughly 900 sq ft, it’s more than he needs.

“I would be fine with about 600 or 700 sq ft,” he said.

Two weeks ago, Hilton said a notice to quit was slipped under the door.

“Everything, including my stations and my people – we have to be out by no later than Dec 31st,” he said. “We have a great following and it’s a shame. Looking around at other places, there’s nothing suitable yet. I don’t know what to do from here.”

The Haircut Place is located at 259 Sound Beach Ave. (203) 637-1313.