COMING SOON! The Dapper Den at 196 Church St. Keswick, soft opening May 1st!
Meet Your Barbers; The Dapper Duo…
Hi there! I’m Anthony—
- One of Newmarket and Central York Region’s most renowned second-generation Italian barbers. (My wife told me to say that). But the craft does run deep! Barbering is a tradition in my family, and I'm proud to carry on the legacy and work ethic that goes with it, filled of passion and purpose each and everyday that I stand behind the chair.
- With over 30 years of experience in the barbershop, and a few sweeping before that, I practically cut hair in my sleep now, I’ve become somewhat of a master of the straight razor and barber who fully specializes in classic haircuts and shaves. I never shy away from what I know best—providing high quality traditional styles that still cater today to gentlemen’s professions and lifestyles.
- If you’re seeking a consistent, clean shave or haircut that looks great and suits your needs, come in and have a seat. My father taught me everything there is to know about this trade and then-some! As such, today, my approach is methodical, precise, and consistent, while always honouring tradition.
- Offering a wide range of barbering skill, including scissor cuts, classic tapers, flat top, brush cut, standard cut, clipper cut, straight razor head shave, beard trim, or a client favourite— a proper traditional hot towel straight razor shave; still the way my father taught me. I’ve mastered the art of what barbering was and is always still meant to be, and am confident you’ll leave my chair looking and feeling like a million bucks!
On a personal note— I love to talk current events, travel, cruising, cars, family, and yes occasionally sports, Leafs fan by birth! (Pic background ai generated)
Our Story
‘The Old School‘
- We hear the words “old school” used a lot these days, but we truly are ‘the old’ in the school. Our duo of skilled barbers at ‘The Dapper Den,’ are both classically and formally 2nd generation barbers with over three decades of experience. We met on the job over 17 years ago in North York. It is amazing to think we have been providing quality men’s haircuts and barber services in York region for over 30 years; and the patriarch of the family, now retired, for over 60 years!
- At The Dapper Den—we believe a haircut is more than just a service; it’s a pleasure of self-care. We take pride in our work and strive to create a warm welcoming environment for all of our clients. So, in our chairs, it’s more than just a haircut... It’s a comforting conversation, an enjoyable experience, and something you’ll eagerly anticipate before every visit. Whether it's your first time or your fiftieth, you'll always leave our den looking dapper and feeling like your best self.
- Our duo of skilled barbers are passionate about our work and dedicated to providing all clients with the very best possible experience. You can be confident in our commitment to upholding a sanitary, comfortable, and jovial— yet calm environment.
- With a combination of experience and a commitment to ongoing education and training, we are up-to-date on the latest requirements such as being professionally trade licensed with certificates of qualification by "Skilled Trades Ontario" verifiable under our names via their public register. We are also fully insured, hold clear YRP vulnerable person reports, completed Building Dementia-Friendly Communities training together, and further sanitation and sterilization continuing education certifications.
We hope you will come in and help us continue to carry on the traditions and legacy of our families trade—one classic haircut at a time. (pic circa 2019 -our old Newmarket Barbershop location)
Welcome! I’m Bonnie—
- a 1950’s Taper Specialist! and I’ve been in the barber industry for quite some time—since 1995, actually, which is really hard for me to believe. I am Anthonys boss, oops wife…and have owned several shops over those many years, still continuing to offer my clients a genuine classic barber experience, complete with the finishing touch of a warm lather neck shave.
- My goal, every time I pick up a pair of scissors or clippers, is to provide a haircut that works for the gentlemen in my chair. It should look great and be easy to maintain, not just when they walk out the door or for a day or two, but for the weeks to come in between visits. I specialize in creating precisely blended clipper and scissor cuts, and particularly my fav— the classic 1950s taper.
- As a woman barber I also excel at trimming men’s curly or wavy hair and making wives happy by taking care of all the many times overlooked details—removing those pesky stray eyebrow and ear hairs. My chair is a place where you can chat or relax, feel respected, and leave with a style that suits you perfectly. I promise I won’t take an awkward video and shine a round light in your face—I’m an old soul at heart. So come on in, take a seat, share a laugh, and leave looking and feeling like a new man.
—On a personal note, I love to talk. No seriously I do. When not cutting hair, as the social media, website designer and writer… I am usually your first line of contact. If you do not like the shops decor, oops well I collected it so had to use what was on hand to decorate. If you do not like the music playlist in the shop thats my fault too, as a deeply devoted lover of 80’s, 90’s, and alternative music. And please, if you like something please tell me and leave us an online review— as a new small business, compliments are as welcome as walk-ins here!
(pic circa 2026—background ai generated)
Our Story…
Behind Every Small Business, There is a Family…
- Barbering way before barbering was cool! Anthony and his wife Bonnie, along with his Father (Giuseppe,"Joe" pictured), and his Mother Josephine successfully operated the last original, classic and traditional barbershop located in Newmarket Ontario est.1959... from early 2011 until late 2023. It was a very well known and respected small family run business where multigenerational families would bring children and grandparents alike; a place where they got to know each others families and many became friends... they enjoyed visiting the shop and Josephine loved spoiling them with complimentary cookies, chocolates, and espressos while Joe, Anthony and Bonnie provided friendly banter and traditional old fashioned haircuts, basically extinct nowadays.
- Unfortunately during the pandemic years Anthonys Father Joe retired due to age related health issues. Josephine who not a barber but did so much else in the shop also retired to care for her husband. Approximately a year and a half later, in late spring of 2023 Bonnie was diagnosed with a very aggressive type of Breast Cancer that had already spread into her lymph nodes and as such could no longer work the bustle of the shop while undergoing surgical intervention and active treatments.
- This left Anthony as the last remaining barber of the family to work the shop alone. The choice to keep overworking himself and being berated for closing odd hours and days to accommodate supporting his family's health— attending the many doctor appointments and other, or to sell the shop despite family objections; decided selling would be the best short term answer.
- Always the carer Anthony continued to work the shop off and part time in an attempt to help the new owner while continuing to provide service to his personal clientele. All the while additionally providing time to assist in his father and wife's treatment schedule. In tandem Anthony also pivoted and created a pretty successful and much needed little mobile barbering business. ‘Anthony’s Classic Mobile Barbershop’ which helps provide clients of all ages a more personal barbering service for gentlemen who cannot, or just for convenience sake choose not to get out for a haircut or shave.
The Tradition & 2nd Chance Continues…
In addition to still offering his mobile services only on Mondays, Anthony works full-time at the brand-new “The Dapper Den,” scouted, founded, and decorated by his wife, Bonnie, who expressed her readiness to return to work and desire to own another shop of their own, —and unsurprisingly, he’s by her side once again!
“Our entire family deeply appreciates everyone’s support over the years, especially during the ups and downs of family and life. Your friendships and ongoing loyalty is humbling and truly touching! Help us continue the tradition and the legacy, we are blessed for this second chance and ability to carry on the torch of our families generations of barbering— one classic haircut at a time at ‘The Dapper Den’, Keswick barbershop”…
“Get Dapper| Keep it Handsome| Stay Humble”