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GLEN ELLYN – A step into Punch Barber Shop is a step into the past, featuring decor pieces straight from the early 20th century.
But the leadership behind the new downtown Glen Ellyn business is decidedly modern, with two 30-something suburban brothers at the helm.
Vince and Fabio Giovenco opened Punch Barber Shop at the end of November, and while the seemingly endless snow and freezing temperatures have limited foot traffic, the cold hasn’t stopped word of mouth about the new business from spreading.
“It’s more of a slow, steady growth, but the buzz about us is really good,” Fabio Giovenco said.
The barber shop’s old-school vibe goes beyond its chairs, cash register and barber’s pole. Its services include straight-razor shaves, a practice not often found in contemporary shops.
The barbers use disposable razors to provide the classic shave while also addressing the health concerns that have limited its availability.
The master of the shave is young barber Jose Maldonado, who previously worked with Fabio Giovenco at another suburban shop.
For those seeking style straight out of GQ, Punch’s Franco Savaglio is the man for the job.
Before becoming a Paul Mitchell-trained stylist, Savaglio used to have his hair cut by Vince Giovenco at Glendale Barber Shop in Glendale Heights, which was owned by the Giovenco’s father.
Vince worked there for 16 years before deciding to open his own place.
Fabio Giovenco also has many years of experience in the business, spending 15 years at a Hinsdale barber shop.
Together, the Giovenco brothers brought Punch to life. Vince is the building owner and Fabio is the brains behind its interior, which has the makings of a deluxe “man cave,” featuring superhero figurines and cigar boxes on shelves and a waiting room in back that includes a TV and a foosball table.
Graduates of Montini Catholic High School in Lombard, the Giovencos use an old church pew to provide seating for those waiting in the front of the shop, at 491 Pennsylvania Ave. The site was previously home to an antique store.
The shop is named after the puppet character Punch, who is part of the shop's decor and logo. The name also comes from the barbers' love of boxing, which is personified in animations of the four barbers as fighters, reminiscent of the University of Notre Dame mascot, on display at the shop and on its website, www.punchbarbershop.com.
The Punch team has brought some previous clients with them to the new location, but they’re hoping to establish a strong local base as well.
On a recent day in the shop, the barbers saw customers both old and new.
Rich Holmberg, of Naperville, followed Fabio from the Hinsdale shop, where he had been getting his hair cut for about 10 years. So far, he likes what he sees at Punch.
“I love it; it’s great,” Holmberg said. “It’s a neat barber shop experience.”
New customer Rick Garrity, of Glen Ellyn, recently returned for his second cut at the shop. Garrity’s initial interest came from a desire to patronize local businesses, he said, and after his last cut, he received approval from the most important source: his wife.
Punch has seen support from the downtown business community, and its team has returned the favor, directing the shop’s male clientele to local boutiques to shop for the women in their lives.
The barber shop will be one of several salons and spas participating in the Alliance of Downtown Glen Ellyn’s upcoming Spa Hop on Feb. 11, said Carol White, the alliance’s executive director.
As a business that caters to men in the area, Punch is a great addition to the downtown, White said.
The Punch team is dedicated to meeting each client’s needs, an old-school notion and the perfect attitude to match the shop’s decorative return to the neighborhood barber shop.
“It doesn’t matter how nice it looks,” Fabio Giovenco said. “You still got to give a good haircut.”
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Punch Barber Shop
Where: 491 Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Website: www.punchbarbershop.com