Nizo Chrabekh, barber by day and mathematician by night, knew he had to hop on the opportunity when Greenport’s long-standing Tony’s Barber Shop was up for sale.
After 18 years in the business, 11 working for Al Amori, former owner of Cutchogue Barber (28000 Main Road, Cutchogue, 631-734-8258) and seven as its owner, Chrabekh was ready for a change.
“I figured why not,” says Chrabekh.
Tony’s Barber Shop closed its doors at the beginning of 2025. Tony “Toppy” Ficurilli, a beloved barber, ran the show for 54 years, becoming well-known for his efficient and fast cuts and his bevy World War artifacts displayed in the front window.
Chrabekh got to know the Greenport shop’s landlord, Morgant Fiedler, who’s family also owns the Fiedler Gallery next door.
“It’s already an established barber shop, I’m only adding value to it,” says Chrabekh.
When he’s not cutting beards or trimming hair, Chrabekh puts his Stony Brook math degree to use, tutoring Greenport students at Floyd Memorial Library.
Some who even visit his Cutchogue shop for a haircut.
“This is a small town, it’s like a small family,” says Chrabekh. “A lot of people know each other, so once they like you, you become one of them, they want to keep you.”
His goal as a barber and tutor were to foster these connections.
“I’ve been building a name for myself,” says Chrabekh. “The opportunity [to purchase Tony’s] came and that’s how you use your name to expand. That’s why you make a name for yourself.”
Chrabekh felt called to Greenport because of its walkability and strong sense of community.
“I love Greenport people, they’re nice people, they’re down to earth,” says Chrabekh.
As soon as he moved in, Chrabekh got started on giving the shop “a facelift,” he say, updating the flooring, installing new mirrors and vanities, and repainting.
Chrabekh, who renamed the space Nizo’s Cuts and Shaves, plans to open the doors to customers on Wednesday, May 7, keeping the family classic barbershop feel that Ficurilli created.
“There’s some shops, they only do men or they kind of target a certain type of people,” says Chrabekh. “I do young kids, I’m the same style [as Ficurilli] — family oriented. We do all types of hair.”
“It’s going to be for everybody, decent prices, clean haircut, no waiting time and that’s what everybody loves,” says Chrabekh. “Convenience number one, reliability, open seven days a week.”
Chrabekh’s Cutchouge shop will remain open as well with his strong staff force while he is in Greenport.
Nizo’s Cuts and Shaves is located at 207 Main St., Greenport, and is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
