When Nicolas Nicola closes up Spiro’s Barber Shop at the end of the day today, part of the 78-year-old’s life — not just a business — will be left behind.
“The shop kind of is him to some extent,” Nicolas’ son Demetres Nicola said. “It brings him so much joy and so much value.”
For 47 years, Nicolas has been “The Barber of East Fourth Street,” one that generations of customers recognize and are loyal to. Even now, Nicolas said, four old-timers from the early days are still alive and coming to him for haircuts.
“In Long Beach, he’s really established himself as a personality that a lot of people know,” Demetres said. “ … The neighborhood has kind of grown around him.”
Nicolas now must leave that neighborhood. Earlier this year, he received a 30-day notice from his landlord. While there was never a clear explanation provided, the Nicola family said it’s rumored the building is being cleared out for new construction or renovation. They’ve said they’ve been grateful that the landlord has been sympathetic to them, allowing them to stay open months past the original deadline.