Scrofano's Classic Barber Shop

from Lorain Local Magazine Issue Nine

From Southview to the LPD

by Madison Maniaci

Located at 929 Broadway in Lorain, Scrofano's Classic Barbershop moved to the downtown scene in early 2020.

Upon entering the shop, you immediately feel a strong connection to Italy's cultural influences derived from Owner Danny Scrofano's love of Sicilian traditions.

**Scrofano's Classic Barber Shop—929 Broadway, Lorain, Ohio**
photo by Shane Pabon

Danny's father was born and raised in Lorain, and his mother moved here from Canada at a young age. But both of his paternal grandparents were from Sicily, and Danny feels like his culture helps embrace who he wants to be. Although he is also part Canadian and Irish, he feels a strong connection to his grandparents' home country.

When he was younger, Danny's parents told him that he should become a barber. But he never considered it until his friend Jeff Delmonico said his good attention to detail would prove successful in the profession.

With Jeff's help, Danny went to barber school in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood. He then started at Delmonico's Barber Shop here in Lorain on Oberlin Avenue 11 years ago.

"He was right, and I liked it," Scrofano said.

When getting a haircut at Scrofano's, Danny can guarantee you'll get a great haircut accompanied by great conversation. For those who don't like to chat, he has old black and white Sicilian films playing on his television set to add to the ambiance of the space. Danny also has an espresso machine for a delightful touch that contributes to the shop's atmosphere. He prides himself on his polished clientele and wants to keep them comfortable and make them feel like they're at home.

The Sicilian style throughout was influenced by Sunday dinners spent with his family, a tradition that most Italians practice.

"That's why I have the whole scheme we have going on in here. My family and I put our mark on this place."

An Atmosphere Like No Other

The barbershop is reminiscent of old Mediterranean-styled shops. Upon arriving, it feels like you are stepping into a grotto, immersing you more into Danny's culture.

Walking through the door, you are immediately sent back in time to 1950s Sicily. The cohesive theme follows back to where an old wooden door stands as decoration surrounded by a table with bar stools.

The most unique aspect of the building is the interior wall design. Danny created a mood using old Mediterranean-style stone walls accompanied by large wooden sliding doors throughout the shop. The shop reflects his personality and his hospitable character. Danny has lived in Lorain his entire life and wanted to set up shop in Lorain to spread the love of his culture in our international city.

Though he traveled to Florida for a year to learn more about his trade and focus on how to book appointments for his clients, he felt compelled to open up a business in downtown Lorain due to his pure love for his hometown.

When asked why he chose to open his classic shop, Danny quickly said,

"Oh, I just love downtown Lorain. I used to ride my bike down here as a kid." He gave it no second thought. "Why not do it in downtown Lorain?"

As a child, he considered Lorain a blank canvas and always felt a need to start a business in a waterfront location.

"Downtown has so much character."

He compared Lorain to Ohio City with how the two lively areas hold so much character and culture. But,

"No other city compares to Lorain," he said. "We hold a special value that no other waterfront town has."

Danny lives near Century Park and loves his short ride to work every day. One of his favorite parts of the downtown area is the waterfront views. He is impressed with Lorain's artistry and landscape, and there is no competition with any neighboring states.

He recalls time spent at the Lorain International Festival in the summertime and continues to attend the event every year it's held. He loves to spend time by the water with his family and friends attending Rockin' on the River events and other summer festivities.

He is very optimistic that new clients will come following his big move downtown. With new people taking an interest in the city, he claimed it was "about damn time." And in the future, he's hoping Lorain can eventually capitalize off of their waterfront location.

When asked about advising prospective small business owners, he stated,

"Just do it and give 150 percent."

For anyone looking to relocate and settle down in Lorain, Danny recommends that being near the lake is better. With more stores and cultural restaurants opening, he is proud that each spot downtown has its own niche market and individual flair.

"Everyone's got their thing, and hopefully, we can continue to feed off of one another and continue to grow, and grow, and grow."

Danny wants the younger generations to be interested in trade work such as barbering. Living in Lorain has taught him that no matter what your job is, everyone contributes to the city to keep it diverse and filled with people who are excited to see change.

Danny would like to shout out to Pete and Jeff Delmonico, Lou Vasquez, and Mike Aponte to thank them for allowing him to learn and work with them. He is also gracious for their continued support.