Jay’s Barber Shop offers great service with a familiar atmosphere

“I’ve been doing a lot of these people for 30 years so it’s like my customers are my family,” said Jay’s Barber and Beauty Salon owner, Jay Garrow. “My goal is to be personable.”

A great personality and appreciation for customers is probably why Jay’s Barber Shop, 2404 Union Rd., Cheektowaga, has been open for more than 22 years. Garrow began working at a young age in a family business shining shoes, and then worked his way up to cutting hair.

“I’ve been cutting hair for 35 years,” said Garrow. “When I got to be about 27-years-old, I branched out on my own and found this place. It was an old house and I converted it into a barber shop and a beauty salon.”

The shop now has four chairs, two sinks and a private room for women. There is also a large parking lot, and a comfortable waiting room with magazines, and pictures of the 50’s decoratively hung up on the wall.

Garrow handles the gentleman cuts, and Charlene Farruggio, hair stylist of 26 years, runs the beauty salon. Garrow’s wife Renee also assists part time, and together the three work to make sure that customers have the best experience possible.

The beauty salon offers anywhere from highlights, colors, perms, nails and eyebrow waxing; the barbershop offers clipper cuts, fades, and style. The kids also get a kick out of going because the shop hands out lollipops and certificates for first time haircuts. Garrow said what sets his business apart is the quality in his service.

“You have to go where you feel comfortable, that’s the main thing. What sets us apart is experience, and longevity of the staff. Most barber shops come and go, but ours is here to stay,” said Garrow.

The barber is the master of the clipper, an art that most schools so not teach anymore. Although the economy is making it difficult for small businesses to grow, Jay’s cliental remain extremely loyal. All customers are known on a first name basis and come in to socialize and catch up. The prices are also very reasonable and Garrow offers discounts to seniors, and families.

“I grew up in a big family so I know what it’s like when you have three or four kids, said Garrow. “In today’s economy every little bit helps.”

Garrow expressed a strong appreciation for his mother and father, whom without their help, he would have never been able to start the business.

The shop is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 7:30 a.m., to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. For a full barber or beauty salon experience call 668-5564. No appointments are necessary for men but women are asked to call ahead, since styling and coloring procedures can take some time.