"Persons Of Interest": An Old-Fashioned Barber Shop With A Modern Twist

What is old can be new again...on Smith Street.  A case in point is the new "Persons Of Interest" barber shop at 299 Smith Street, which just opened on Tuesday where, until recently, Giorgio Zocco gave haircuts to generations of Carroll Gardeners. 

When Zocco, a.k.a. Sal the Barber, passed away unexpectedly in April, many in the neighborhood thought that the old-fashioned shop would turn into yet another restaurant.

However, local resident Steve Marks, who knew Zocco, had another idea.  He felt that there was still a need in the neighborhood for a barber shop, albeit one that would attract a younger clientele. 
With the blessing of Zocco's family, Marks took over the shop and has spent the last few months upgrading it. The new "Persons Of Interest", however, retains much of the old fashioned flair of its predecessor. The blue and white barber's pole is still hanging outside next to the front door.  Inside, the tropical wall poster still decorates the back wall. Even Zocco's barber chairs are the same,though they have been recovered. 
Marks has recently hired barber/stylist Matt Southerland, who most recently worked in Manhattan. 

So stop by and check out "Persons Of Interest".  And in case you want to make an appointment,their website is www.personsofinterestbklyn.com and their number is 718 858 5300.

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Sad News! Smith Street's "Sal, The Barber" Has Passed
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Looking To Hire A Few Barbers On Smith Street

Sal's Barber Shop back in April 2010

Back in April of this year, Giorgio Zocco, a.k.a. Sal the Barber passed away, leaving his wonderful old-fashioned store behind on Smith Street. He had been cutting hair there for decades.

By June, the red and white sign and the awning were gone and someone was working on the space. Most, including me, were certain that someone would open a new restaurant it that location, the fate of most business locales on Smith Street. But, apparently, whoever was taking over was going to keep it as a barbershop.

That was great news. At this point, this neighborhood needs service-oriented businesses more than another restaurant, bar or over-prized boutique.

And just a few days ago, there was a clear indication that Sal's old place would keep on going as a barbershop in one form or another. A sign in the window reads "Hiring Barbers."

How cool is that?

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All Traces Of Sal, Former Barber Of Smith Street, Erased

Sal's barbershop, back in April 2010

The storefront shortly after Sal, The Barber, passed away in April

And NOW:

Another sign that time does not stand still.

In April, Giorgio Zocco, a.k.a. "Sal, The Barber," who gave generations of Carroll Gardeners haircuts in his Smith Street barbershop, passed away unexpectedly.

Since then, the old fashioned store with the huge tropical photo mural, wonderful old red and white sign and the red awning has been closed.

Sadly, all these familiar details have been stripped from the storefront recently. All traces of Sal's decades at 299 Smith Street have now been erased forever.

This location will probably soon be just another overpriced restaurant or bar.

Related Reading:

Sad News! Smith Street's "Sal, The Barber" Has Passed

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Sad News! Smith Street's "Sal, The Barber" Has Passed

Sad, sad news!

Giorgio Zocco, a.k.a. "Sal, the Barber," who has given Carroll Gardeners hair cuts in his wonderfully old fashioned barbershop at 299 Smith Street for decades, has passed.

Sal had just recently re-opened his shop. He had been battling pneumonia for a few weeks, but he was determined to resume his business. According to one of my neighbors, whose husband and son had just gotten a haircut from Sal, he died of an aneurysm.

With his passing, a small part of the neighborhood is gone forever as well.

The following announcement appeared in the Staten Island Advance:

ZOCCO Giorgio "Sal the Barber" Zocco. Devoted husband of the late Maria (nee Lorenzo). Beloved father of Carmela Alicia, Peter, and Michael. Loving grandfather and dear brother. Mass Saint Stephen's 9:30 AM Wednesday. IN REPOSE RACCUGLIA & SON 321-323 Court Street 718-855-773

An online guest book can be signed here.

Click here for some beautiful photos of Sal in his barbershop here.

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