Greer's Barbershop celebrates 50 years
Greer’s Barbershop celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday. The event was held in loving memory of Mr. Robert “Sleepy” Greer.
The celebration featured games and a bouncy house for kids, along with a plentiful and delicious spread of food, including fish and barbecue.
Robert Lenzy Greer, known as “Sleepy,” was born on March 12, 1950. In his early 20s, he moved to Tyler, Texas, where he met his wife, Glenda Faye Greer, in nearby Clarksville.
After graduating from Tyler Barber College with a Master’s License, he returned to Philadelphia to open his shop in 1974.
Originally located on Carver Ave., the barbershop moved to its current location at 253 Northwest St in 1989, and later evolved into Greer’s Barber and Beauty Shop in the nineties, co-owned and operated with his wife.
Fifty years later, his sons Robert “PeeWee” Greer II, Christopher Greer, and grandson Christopher Greer II continue to uphold the family tradition.
Reflecting on his father’s teachings, Christopher Greer said, “My father taught me to always be on time and to always be there.”
“I was going to be a welder but got sick,” he said. “So, I went to barber school and started working here around 1996.”
“I’ve just always wanted to work here,” added PeeWee Greer.
The family’s barbershop is renowned for its lively and welcoming family atmosphere.
“There’s always something going on,” Christopher Greer said. He further emphasized the family’s values of attending church and praising the Lord.
“Everything else just works itself out,” he said.
“I’ve always looked up to my granddaddy and my daddy. Everybody wants to be like their folks,” said Christopher Greer II. “We’re going to keep it going, try to make it grow a little more, and keep that family atmosphere.”
The barbershop has maintained its family-oriented and friendly environment by continuing Mr. Sleepy’s legacy of caring for the community and everyone who walks through the door.
“The Philadelphia community has supported the shop 100 percent,” Christopher Greer said. “People come from everywhere like Louisville, Noxapater, Carthage, Kemper, Preston, and even Meridian.”
For Christopher Greer, his brother, and his son, the best part of being barbers is the freedom and building relationships with their clients.
“They are family,” said Christopher Greer II.
Christopher Greer noted that his father, Mr. Sleepy, was laid back and never held celebrations like this for the shop. He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Philadelphia.
“Without the people, there would be no Greer’s Barbershop,” he said.
“50 years is love,” he added. “50 years of black people owning a business in Philadelphia is an honor. It means the world to me, and I thank my father and mother for that.”