A Sarnia hair studio survived the long hair trend inspired by the Beatles, and has been in business now for 50 years.
Franco's Hair Studio, at 816 Colborne Rd., marked the milestone with an open house with plenty of food and giveaways Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Franco and his wife Antonietta started the business back in 1969, but according to their daughter Rossana Di Cocco, the two didn't think they'd be in Sarnia-Lambton for this long.
"Their intent at the time was to work about 10 years and then eventually move back to Italy with the family, so they're extremely grateful of what they have accomplished, and grateful for the support of the community."
Di Cocco, along with her parents, make up the eight people that operate the studio, and she said they've come a long way in 50 years.
"In the 80's, mom and dad decided to extend the barber shop with a beauty salon in the back employing hairdressers, so with the support of the community, out clientele ranges from young children to the elderly."
Di Cocco said while the inside looks different in 2019 compared to 1969, the atmosphere remains the same.
"My motto is 'if it isn't broke, don't fix it.' We will continue to run things because it works. Everyone loves coming here, they love the atmosphere and there's always jokes and stuff going on."
Di Cocco said over the years hairstyles certainly changed. She even said back in the day, The Beatles nearly ran her dad out of business.
"Today, it's actually comical, how in the 1970's my dad almost had to close-up shop because the long hairstyles for men were coming in fashion due to The Beatles. So he went back school to learn how to cut long hair and this is how he stayed in business."
Di Cocco said they're always welcoming new clients to come see why Franco's has been around for half a century.
Franco's Poster