Well-known Summerville barbershop closing after decades of service

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD)–The Simmons family has been cutting hair in Summerville for 75 years, a trade passed down through generations that ended with Jerome Simmons in 2023.

Jerome’s sons Keith and Darren inherited the Simmons Barber Shop after his passing, but both have careers in other industries, which makes it hard to keep the family business alive, so the brothers decided to close the business.

Since the announcement was made, the community has flocked to the shop to get one last cut and reflect on the impact that Simmons has made over the years. 

“This was a pillar of our town. It was here before I was born. It was started in 1950. I got my first haircut here, and I think many people who live here or grew up here actually got their first haircuts here,” said James Dyal, a loyal customer.

“My dad went to work every day with a smile on his face, and it’s mostly because of those people,” said Darren Simmons, the son of Jermone Simmons.

The owners said the last day the shop will be open for service is Wednesday, July 31.