Three days after the Aug. 20 break-in at King Street Barber Shop, a friendly golden retriever greeted each customer and owner Mike Grove said Friday that despite losing thousands of dollars worth of equipment, In the morning, I returned to work brandishing my clippers and scissors as usual. The only sign of a break-in was a cardboard patch on the door.
Henry, the Golden Retriever owned by John Rosenberger, who was currently sitting in Grove's chair, found a perfect spot in Dennis Andrick's hands and was almost alone until Grove showed up with dog treats. I settled on a haircut.
Grove is a modest, cunning and resourceful person.
How long has he been working in the business?
“Long time. Starting at 7:30 this morning,” he joked.
Although his shop only opened in 2022, Grove has been cutting hair since 1976, when he was assigned to do it by the Navy. Even after he retired from the military, he continued to cut hair.
How many haircuts does he get every day?
“That's confidential,” Mr. Grove replied with a wink.
During the interview, he polished off three cuts in an hour, leaving every customer in immaculate condition.
When Grove arrived at the store on August 20, the door had been broken down and most of the tools had been stolen, including scissors, clippers, a razor and even a porcelain sanitary sterilizer.
His wife Teresa added that the thieves also took cash and a laptop. Grove estimated the loss to be in the thousands.
Although there were warnings that service was being limited, the setbacks did not slow the steady flow of customers. Grove's shop is a vibrant take on the traditional American barbershop, more of a community than a business.
“That's one of the jobs of barbers,” Grove said. “You have to be diplomatic.”
Customers don't come here with special requests. The approach is simple.
One customer requested, “I just want it cut.”
Since the break-in, the community has rallied around the globe. Support has also poured in from other barbershops, restaurants and local businesses. His voice is heard from nearly every corner of the Strasburg community.
“I'm glad I started a business in Shenandoah County,” Grove said.
Grove started working part-time at the store after quitting his job due to the coronavirus pandemic. When the building was sold to a Northern Virginia company, Mr. Grove couldn't let it go and negotiated to take it over.
“This store is my legacy. I want to work for a few more years, hire two more employees, and then go back to where I started and be the head of the family,” he said.
But Grove said he also needed income for his model train hobby.
“I have more trains than brains,” Grove said, again with quiet wit.
His love of railroads is evident in the decor of his barber shop, where memorabilia and railroad industry photos cover the walls. Much of the store outside of the main room still needs renovation, but Mr. Grove has a clear vision and has dedicated various rooms to specific railroads and vintage photographs.
“My wife was happy to reopen this place and have a place to put all her junk,” Grove said jokingly.
He is passionate about his hobbies, from building tables to wiring wire to building bridges. It's not expertise, he insists, but research and care, care that is evident in his work.
Andrik, who drives 30 minutes to get a Grove's cut, first tried the store on a whim six months ago and has been a loyal customer ever since.
“I have recommended it to all my family and friends,” he said.
That Friday morning, Grove continued to carefully build his legacy, one cut at a time. Even after the invasion, his resolve remained strong. The store remained open, the chairs remained full, and the hair continued to be cut.
“I wanted to be a part of this community,” Grove said. “I’m glad people are noticing that.”
After her morning shift, Grove chatted with customers like old friends. It's more than just a haircut, it's about stories, laughter, and the sense of belonging of being part of something bigger.