By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
After being closed down due to the pandemic, a son on dialysis with a rare kidney disease, and a fire underneath his barbershop, no one would blame Joey Lopez, owner of Got Cut?, from walking away for good. But the thought never crossed his mind; and Got Cut? Barbershop is once again open for business after two years of challenges.
“I just couldn’t see myself giving up,” said Lopez. “It took me 18 years to get my own place. I’ll be damned to have a little bit of flames stop me.”
Lopez opened his fresh, yet classic take on the barbershop/community meeting place back in 2018. A Township native and member of Pennsauken High School’s Class of 2002, Joey made it a point to give back to the neighborhood with a variety of events that included no charge haircuts, and free school supplies. His dream shop became a reality.
Then came COVID-19 and the business shutdown; a diagnosis of a rare kidney disease for his son, “Little Joey,” which requires dialysis several times a week; and a fire caused by illegal activity from a tenant living in the basement. What would be the death knell for many businesses became just challenges Lopez was more than ready to overcome.
“Every night, my son would pray for the shop to come back,” said Lopez. “We did this for the culture and community.”
“It’s about leaving a legacy. That’s what I love about this guy,” added barber Jerry White. “He’s not just a man, a husband, and a father. [Joey] is a leader and a role model.”
“I’ve been blessed to be connected to Joey. I’ve got respect for what he’s doing here,” continued barber Jesus Aponte. “We’re part of the community.”
Walking back into the barbershop, you’ll find things exactly like they were, a clean, professional, and open space, as if the fire never happened. There is something new: an air purifier with a 4,500 square-foot range. Staff also wear facemasks and gloves to help keep things safe.
The staff at Got Cut? are thrilled to be back on River Rd. And so is the community.
“The people are coming back. It’s great to see familiar faces and the kids in the barber chairs,” said Lopez. “I’m going to keep that barbershop culture alive for as long as I can.” Got Cut? is located at 7537-39 River Rd., across the street from Temple of Praise Ministries. For more information, call (609) 744-0356.
