October 31, 2024 Services
Ilya Ilyayev, whose customers often know him as Leo, will close his shop tomorrow — the new owners of the corner building at Lispenard and Church are clearing it out to make room for new condo construction. He is moving to the new Royal Hair Salon that opened on Broadway and Worth in April, and will keep a chair there. His number will stay the same: 212-431-3984 and he’s offering a discount for his customers at the new location. “I want to make for my customers a low price — to make them happy,” he said.
Ilya has been at that spot for 24 years; he bought it from another barber, George, and before that, he said, it was owned by three Italian brothers — that goes back more than 60 years. (D. got that great shot above, and confirmed it had been a barber for as long as he’s been here — 46 years.) Westside Coffee Shop, which has been next door for 35 years, has also closed.
“I couldn’t afford a new location — and I wanted something close by,” Ilya said.
He will close tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 31, and will be cutting hair again on Monday at Royal. He is leaving everything in the shop behind.
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Ilya is awesome for anyone looking for a barber.
Good luck at your next spot!