George is so well-liked and popular that he owns his own barber shop that is a staple in Mimico. Photos by Devin Meireles.
By DEVIN MEIRELES
George the Barber has been serving the Mimico community for more than 30 years.
Many residents know George from Pat’s, formerly on Simpson Avenue, across the street from SanRemo Bakery, where he worked for 17 years, but he moved down the street on 182 Royal York Road to open his own shop 13 years ago.
Since then, customers have followed him for his excellent work specializing in men’s haircuts and old-fashioned shaves.
George’s Barber Shop has a great atmosphere with cool pictures plastered on the wall, usually some classic television on the screen, and always a good conversation to be had.
Painting of well-liked George hard at work on the wall of the barber shop at 182 Royal York Road.
It has that traditional barbershop feel where it stands out from anywhere else. That’s how it’s easy to understand why the community loves George the Barber.
For the first year anniversary of his shop, a customer gifted him the patio set where locals can have a seat and enjoy the view outside.
Another customer lost George when he moved, so to make sure that everybody knows where to find him, they made a mural on the exterior wall of the building that captures the barber in his signature plaid shirt cutting fictional character, Tony Montana, from the Scarface movie.
The artwork is unmistakable when driving down Royal York and has become an iconic scene in South Etobicoke.
George has styled generations of Mimico residents who all leave his shop happy with their cuts.
George is a great guy, and seemingly never has a bad day, so it’s always a treat to stop by for a haircut.
He has consistently served the community and has seen three generations of customers come into the shop.
Even the children of the neighbourhood stop by to say hello and polish off the candy in his old school gumball machine.
Go and check it out for yourself and you won’t regret it. He does the best work and has great rates. Don’t forget to tip! George’s Barber Shop is a real staple of Mimico.
George’s shop can be reached at 416-259-8586.