Third Generation Barber Shop in Keswick

Abington Patch: When did you open your business?

Ralph's Barber Shop: Ralph's Barber Shop is a third generation family-owned business. My grandfather came from Italy to America and opened our original location at 5009 Wayne Avenue in Germantown. My father, Ralph, Jr., moved the business to Glenside in 1981. I added the second floor in 2001, which allowed me the opportunity to offer both appointments and walk-ins daily, as well as additional services like men's coloring and waxing.

AP: Who is your ideal client or customer?

RBS: At Ralph's, our goal is to provide the best services to every single person who walks through our doors. We strive to stay informed about the latest trends in cutting and styling, while simultaneously perfecting our traditional cutting techniques. We want our customers to feel confident that each barber can not only give them the best cut, but provide optimal customer service and individualized attention. We aim to please our youngest customers by offering cuts on "Rosie the Horse", a special children's chair or in the comfort of mom or dad's lap. Lollipops are standard fare at the completion of every child's cut. And hair coloring and waxing services are done in the comfort of our private room. Ultimately, we want every customer to feel that a cut at Ralph's is about quality, personal attention, and commitment to an overall positive experience.

AP: What makes your business unique from other's in your field?

RBS: Again, our main focus is always on customer service, and providing the optimal environment for each person who enters Ralph's. Beyond that, what really sets us apart is the fact that we are a family-oriented and run business, with strong roots in our local community. We aim to revive the classic barber shop atmosphere with modern amenities. While you wait at Ralph's, you can check out the historic sports artifacts that adorn the walls, watch highlights of the big game on one of our five HD televisions, or sit back and relax with a magazine in an authentic seat from Veteran's Stadium. But our commitment extends beyond the walls of the barber shop. We feel very strongly that it is our responsibility to give back to the local community that supports us. We support as many local organizations as possible, from local youth sports programs like GYAC and Oreland-Wyndmoor Little League, to local schools and events, community projects like the Keswick Underpass beautification, to Alex's Lemonade Stand. We feel our business thrives when our entire local community thrives.

AP: What made you decide to open a business?

RBS: I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to continue our family-run business when my father retired. I was excited about the possibilty of expanding our space by adding a second floor and offering additional services like men's coloring, waxing, and appointments every day.

AP: What's your most popular item?

RBS: Most of our customers are looking for traditional men's styles with a modern edge. What is most popular with our customers is a great cut complemented by our friendly service and unique atmosphere. We also provide a number of high-end men's haircare and styling products, and help guide our clients to the product that is best for them.

AP: What makes your community special?

RBS: There really is no place like Glenside and our surrounding communities. I see our barber shop as a microcosm of the larger Glenside community- a tight-knit family-run business that specializes in a classic feel with modern amenities, just like the town of Glenside. People in this community care about one another, look out for one another, and appreciate commitment to making this community better for everyone.

AP: Where can customers find your specials?

RBS: We run year-long specials like senior citizen discounts Monday through Friday and discounts for children 13 and under all week long. Seasonal specials can be found on our Faceboook page or website, or by calling the barber shop and speaking with a receptionist.

Ralph's Barber Shop, located at 100 Keswick Ave. in Glenside, is open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. through Labor Day and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Learn more on their website and on their Facebook page.