Old-Time Barber Still Open For Business In Lake Elsinore

Fred Dominguez, 80, can usually be found sitting in front of his barbershop on Main Street in Lake Elsinore, chatting with passersby. 

Dominguez and his are relics that have stood the test of time.

 “It's kinda like Mayberry around here,” said longtime Elsinore Barber customer Gary Brown of Wildomar. “You can come and find out what's going on around town and run into folks you have not seen for a while.  Even if you’re not family, they make you feel like you are.”

Elsinore Barber has been around for decades – Dominguez began working there in 1954 and in 1959 he bought the place. His daughter Cecilia has worked at the shop for 31 years, and the enduring perseverance has garnered Dominguez the self-proclaimed title of  “oldest businessman on the street.”

“Barbering has been real good to me,” he said.

Elsinore Barber is filled with memorabilia from the old days – porcelain and chrome barber chairs, old presidential posters, antique grooming tools, worn brushes and hand-clippers. The place even has a child's barber chair adorned with a porcelain horse.

Dominguez still cuts hair and he has a regular clientele, some of whom have been coming to the shop for more than 30 years.

Vaden Smith, 79, a Lake Elsinore resident and longtime friend of Dominguez's, says he still comes in for regular cuts because, “I come out feeling good and looking good.”

"I love my work,” Fred said. “It's all I've done all my life. I get to know lots of people and I don't look forward to retiring anytime soon. I'll be here for the rest of my life.”

Elsinore Barber & Beauty Shop

115 N. Main St., Lake Elsinore

951-674-6320

Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Services include haircuts, beard trims, perms, styling, color, sets, highlights, ear piercings and beauty supply sales.

Haircuts start at $10.75.