“The shop was here since 1928,” owner Eddie Zavur said in a thick Russian accent. “Of course there was a lot of different owners.”
Zavur said he has been a barber for more than 30 years but only owned the Downtown Barbershop, which is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for six years.
“I’ve been in America since ’88 and I never changed my profession,” Zavur said.
However, while cutting hair has always come naturally to Zavur, he said speaking English hasn’t.
“I learn English, not grammatically, but I speak English because of (my customers,)” Zavur said.
While working in a New York barbershop, Zavur said he couldn’t communicate with anyone, but he could cut hair.
“The only thing I know,” Zavur said. “My work.”
Little by little, Zavur said he learned how to communicate with customers in roughly six months.
“I wish I had more English, more words,” Zavur said. “But I’m doing better and better every year.”
The tradition of cutting hair has been passed down for five generations, Zavur said, explaining that his family had been cutting hair for more than 120 years.
“My mother, she taught me,” he said.
The Zavur family history is clearly displayed around the shop. Journalism sophomore Maggie Pingolt said she noticed the decor of the Downtown Barbershop.
“They had their stuff that went with their family,” Pingolt said. “They had photos.”
Pingolt described the shop as classic and charming.
“It reminded me of my grandparents,” Pingolt said.
Zavur said he designed the shop to have a traditional feel.
“Everything (is) my design,” Zavur said. “The way I think the barbershop should look like.”
Zavur said he would much rather design with older pieces, such as classic 1920’s chairs, and personal items instead of modern decorations.
The shop even has a Russian military uniform that was worn in parades, Zavur said.
“It is also part of the barbershop because, of course, I’m Russian speaking, and I was in the military myself,” Zavur said.
Beyond cutting hair and creating an authentic experience, Zavur said the customers are what he enjoys most about his shop.
“It’s a really entertainment kind of atmosphere,” Zavur said. “Especially when you see the people so happy and they come back.”
One such customer, sustainability freshman Ellery Freeman, who lives in Tempe, said he takes the light rail to Zavur’s shop just to get his hair cut.
“I’m actually kind of picky about how my hair is cut,” Freeman said. “So its worth the light rail (ride) down just to go get my hair cut.”
Zavur said returning customers are how he recharges himself daily.
“That’s the beauty of (customers), when they come back,” Zavur said. “‘Oh Eddie, please can you do the same thing like last time?’ ⎯ that’s it. That is the moment you bring energy again.”
Zavur said working in Phoenix has also helped him maintain energy.
“It’s always sunshine,” Zavur said. “That’s another kind of side to bring me energy.”
Zavur said the Phoenix sunshine reminds him of Russia, something he could not find in other parts of the U.S.
“In Washington, it’s moody,” Zavur said. “I don’t like moody places, like (where it is) overcast and people do not smile. That’s not for me.”
However, it wasn’t always pleasant to be a business owner downtown.
“We were suffering for two years when they built, there was nothing here,” Zavur said.
With the construction of the Downtown campus and the completion of the light rail, Zavur said his business is picking up.
“When you’re the best, you can survive anywhere,” Zavur said. “My business (is) recession free. Hair grows, you do the best job, people come back.”
Zavur said while students and businessmen are two of his best customers, Mayor Phil Gordon also gets his hair cut at the Downtown Barbershop.
Freeman said he keeps coming back to the Downtown Barbershop because Zavur and his employees just seem to care more than barbers at other salons.
“It was personal,” Freeman said. “They were nice and it was a good experience.”
Zavur said he always offers a discount for students.
“The price will be good,” he said. “Like for example, students (pay) $14 ⎯ you got $2 off for them to help students a little bit.”
Zavur said quick, cheap haircuts are what students like.
“They like to save money and they like a simple job ⎯ boom, bomb, done!” Zavur said.
Pingolt said she recommends the Downtown Barbershop to people all the time.
“There are three key things,” Pingolt said. “It’s economically efficient… it’s convenient … and definitely the charm of the place.”
Zavur said he is happy right where he is and wants to stay close to ASU.
“I’m so happy they built Downtown campus here,” Zavur said. “If it’s going to be like downtown Tempe then I’m going to stay late working.”
Contact the reporter at jvonsche@asu.edu
