{"id":5469,"date":"2022-08-20T05:55:05","date_gmt":"2022-08-20T09:55:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/?p=5469"},"modified":"2025-01-28T09:24:07","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T14:24:07","slug":"the-history-of-the-heritage-barbershop-roma-barber-shop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/the-history-of-the-heritage-barbershop-roma-barber-shop-5469\/","title":{"rendered":"The History of the Heritage Barbershop \u2013 \u201cRoma Barber Shop\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Canada\u2019s capital is a city rich in contrasts, where 19th-century historic buildings stand alongside sleek, modern skyscrapers. Among Ottawa&#8217;s contemporary boutiques, salons, and shops, a few authentic 20th-century establishments have stood the test of time. One such landmark is the \u201cRoma Barber Shop,\u201d which opened its doors in the mid-20th century and remains a cherished part of the city\u2019s history. More on <a href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/uk\/\">ottawa1.one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a69352c3033d\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a69352c3033d\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/the-history-of-the-heritage-barbershop-roma-barber-shop-5469\/#The_Origins_of_Barbering\" >The Origins of Barbering<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/the-history-of-the-heritage-barbershop-roma-barber-shop-5469\/#The_Establishment_of_%E2%80%9CRoma_Barber_Shop%E2%80%9D\" >The Establishment of \u201cRoma Barber Shop\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/the-history-of-the-heritage-barbershop-roma-barber-shop-5469\/#The_Story_of_an_Italian_Immigrant\" >The Story of an Italian Immigrant<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/the-history-of-the-heritage-barbershop-roma-barber-shop-5469\/#A_Family_Enterprise\" >A Family Enterprise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/the-history-of-the-heritage-barbershop-roma-barber-shop-5469\/#Unique_Features_of_%E2%80%9CRoma_Barber_Shop%E2%80%9D\" >Unique Features of \u201cRoma Barber Shop\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/the-history-of-the-heritage-barbershop-roma-barber-shop-5469\/#What_Happened_to_the_Family_Business\" >What Happened to the Family Business?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Origins_of_Barbering\"><\/span>The Origins of Barbering<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The practice of barbering dates back to ancient times and was mentioned in the works of Homer, Aristophanes, and others. By the 17th century, the term \u201cbarber\u201d had been coined, and barbering was recognized as a legitimate profession. In its early days, only men worked as barbers, catering to the elaborate hairstyles of the wealthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The colonization of Canada by the French in the 17th century brought European trends, including barbering, to Canadian shores. Ottawa was no exception, and barbershops soon became integral to the city\u2019s culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Establishment_of_%E2%80%9CRoma_Barber_Shop%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>The Establishment of \u201cRoma Barber Shop\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>During the mid-20th century, Ottawa saw a surge in the number of beauty salons and barbershops. One of the oldest and most enduring establishments was the \u201cRoma Barber Shop,\u201d founded on Elgin Street in the late 1950s. Known for its high-quality and fashionable haircuts, the barbershop became a hub for Ottawa\u2019s residents. It provided a range of services, from haircuts and styling to beard and mustache grooming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Story_of_an_Italian_Immigrant\"><\/span>The Story of an Italian Immigrant<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxcb0fxktspgcbnxs070keu-r-gjovemh1bnflrkqx8bm6u4mzrnlg75xvkcnzlsm5pegi5sdlifexptdpdobt4maq2ak0nrj1zpw9lmfhjoenxzqvihogthlmiu9ibbb-qjgrh6qakeyyvi4k2hafwsw8sufot5vxguq.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cRoma Barber Shop\u201d was the brainchild of Tony Costanza, an Italian immigrant who arrived in Canada in the 1950s. His journey to Ottawa was far from straightforward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tony left Italy seeking new opportunities but had no intention of settling in Canada\u2019s cold capital. After arriving in Montreal by ship, dressed in a thin suit unsuitable for the Canadian winter, Tony shivered uncontrollably until a kind stranger lent him a scarf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Determined to find a warmer destination, Tony inquired at Montreal\u2019s main train station about the warmest place in Canada. The ticket clerk suggested Vancouver. However, Tony&#8217;s funds fell short for a ticket to Vancouver, so he settled for Ottawa, where he eventually established his business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Family_Enterprise\"><\/span>A Family Enterprise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxeqg2968kpxwmk1-u7hfqotjrc7htxzzc7ukqfvdh2zpvdg7usojnk_hrd7zgqtxjjber74hjxe74iku18hkagxl47brb3gsuno50qx9amgqqkwm-1so33ydeouhvsuope7yrhe3akeyyvi4k2hafwsw8sufot5vxguq.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Tony quickly adapted to life in Ottawa, opening \u201cRoma Barber Shop\u201d on Elgin Street in the late 1950s. A decade later, the shop relocated to a new space between Lisgar and Cooper Streets. The barbershop became a true family enterprise. Tony and his brother handled the grooming, his wife managed the administrative tasks, and his children, Mario and Alex, maintained cleanliness by sweeping floors, emptying ashtrays, and cleaning tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unique_Features_of_%E2%80%9CRoma_Barber_Shop%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Unique Features of \u201cRoma Barber Shop\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxddvybom0rqck2kjirzn4vzcoaeaxvqbemwo400x9b9yiw_0vqwvao9hkhdwguyweqerh6yowwimegopsac8nutwfsnlhcopiz3rg2uvrs-qcp5uulgio-42hlincq_idgc3_ufaakeyyvi4k2hafwsw8sufot5vxguq.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cRoma Barber Shop\u201d offered more than just grooming services\u2014it provided a slice of Italian culture in the heart of Ottawa. Customers could enjoy games of chess, with boards readily available in the shop. However, heated matches often led to dramatic outbursts, with frustrated players flipping boards and scattering pieces across the shop and onto Elgin Street. Tony\u2019s sons, Mario and Alex, would dutifully retrieve the pieces after such incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The shop also housed a mini-museum, displaying and selling vintage items from the past. One of its most notable features was a collection of pins and badges, carefully curated by Tony over the years and continually expanded by loyal patrons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happened_to_the_Family_Business\"><\/span>What Happened to the Family Business?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/33\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxcz3aitnkfxe5re45agbra2vqv-v2batp3k5d4javix7jsckvneij31poersdwxr3rc3dl2ysc5bgaqvy1dhpkpmqw4kifoouq4rwlloxn0tdmzlg_esu58ayahgbtpzzr0k1t2xgkeyyvi4k2hafwsw8sufot5vxguq.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mario and Alex grew up in the barbershop, but neither initially intended to follow in their father\u2019s footsteps. Mario, in particular, aspired to become an auto mechanic and began training at a local Ottawa garage. One winter day, Tony visited Mario at work, only to witness him struggling under a car dripping oil, dirt, and snow. Displeased with the working conditions, Tony urged Mario to reconsider a career in barbering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reluctantly, Mario agreed to give it a try, despite his preference for working with tools rather than people. To his surprise, he excelled at the craft, continuing his father\u2019s legacy while earning the respect of Ottawa\u2019s residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the years, \u201cRoma Barber Shop\u201d became a beloved institution, known for its fashionable cuts, high-quality service, and unique atmosphere. Loyal clients aged alongside the shop, maintaining their connection to the Costanza family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite its enduring popularity, \u201cRoma Barber Shop\u201d faced stiff competition in the 21st century. To keep up with changing times, Mario transitioned the business into a mobile service. Equipped with his tools, he now visits clients in their homes, providing the same exceptional grooming services that once drew customers to the shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cRoma Barber Shop\u201d remains a testament to Ottawa\u2019s rich history, blending tradition with innovation to serve the community in new and meaningful ways.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Canada\u2019s capital is a city rich in contrasts, where 19th-century historic buildings stand alongside sleek, modern skyscrapers. Among Ottawa&#8217;s contemporary boutiques, salons, and shops, a few authentic 20th-century establishments have stood the test of time. One such landmark is the \u201cRoma Barber Shop,\u201d which opened its doors in the mid-20th century and remains a cherished [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":469,"featured_media":5470,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1164],"tags":[3083,3071,3064,3072,3074,3081,3066,3073,3077,3060,3084,3067,3076,3065,3068,3070,3069,3075,3078,3062,3079,3063,3061,3082,3080],"moimportance":[78,81],"motype":[],"moformat":[83],"class_list":{"0":"post-5469","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business","8":"tag-answer","9":"tag-barber-tony-costanza","10":"tag-business","11":"tag-business-in-ottawa","12":"tag-business-in-the-20th-century","13":"tag-family-business","14":"tag-family-business-costanza","15":"tag-family-business-in-ottawa","16":"tag-guilty-of-perjury","17":"tag-guilty-of-perjury-in-ottawa","18":"tag-history-of-a-rare-car","19":"tag-history-of-an-italian-immigrant","20":"tag-history-of-an-italian-immigrant-in-ottawa","21":"tag-italian-immigrant","22":"tag-italian-immigrant-in-ottawa","23":"tag-peculiarities-of-the-barbershop-rome","24":"tag-peculiarities-of-the-barbershop-rome-in-ottawa","25":"tag-perukar-tony-costanza","26":"tag-perukarnya-rome","27":"tag-perukarnya-rome-in-ottawa","28":"tag-revelation-of-local-business","29":"tag-successful-business-in-ottawa","30":"tag-tony-costanza","31":"tag-what-happened-family-business","32":"tag-what-happened-to-the-family-business","33":"moimportance-golovna-novina","34":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori","35":"moformat-vlasna"},"modified_by":"Katya Koshevaya","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/469"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5469"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5469\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5485,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5469\/revisions\/5485"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5469"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=5469"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=5469"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=5469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}