Those looking for Las Olas Barbershop need only look for the striped Padair barber pole, which has been spinning out front for generations. Made in the year 1948, it’s emblematic of the longevity of the shop, which first opened on Las Olas Boulevard in 1951 and was helmed by the same man—Ben "The Barber" Adamo—for more than 46 years. Though Ben has since passed, the traditions set down by the old-school barber are continued by current owner David Quinn, who takes care to ensure his third-generation customers receive the same quality service as their fathers and grandfathers before them. He's also taken great pains to revamp the aging hub—which he described as "a piece of history on the boulevard," to Go Riverwalk writer Kevin Lane—while respecting its legacy and character.
Today, though the wood floors and paint colors have been updated, guests can still see Ben's familiar photo and prized golf club hanging around. Upgrades have included barber cabinets and chrome-and-porcelain Paidar barber chairs dating back to the 1930s, which add authenticity to the shop's vintage aesthetic and nightly jitterbug marathons. And while the new generation of barbers continues to dole out the shop's signature shave-and-a-haircut service, they now also cater to women and kids and have even added manicures to the menu.
