By Jasmine Willis
DANSVILLE —The old barber shop on main street is getting a new make-over in May.
Bill Bacon, Livingston County Economic Development director gave a presentation via zoom on March 22 to discuss the plans for this new business.
“A few weeks ago, I noticed people trying to guess what was behind the big blue tarp at 172 Main Street. Having worked with the owners on the project a few people had advance knowledge on the project,” Bacon said. “It was funny all I had to tell people was it was Angelo Belliotti’s old Barber Shop and they knew exactly what I was talking about. We need to walk you through a brief history of the building.”
“Many remember 172 Main Street used to be the home of the old barber shop owned by Angelo Belliotti. The current owners got in touch with his son, Ray Belliotti to get the history of the building. Angelo Belliotti ran the barber shop from 1940 to 1990 with generations of family working side by side in barber chairs. This business was operated at one time by Angelo’s father Rosario Belliotti and his Uncle Joe. Throughout the years Angelo was manning one chair,” Bacon continued.
Ray Belliotti spoke highly about working in that three-chair barber shop with his father. He said his father always had a kinship with the community. Angelo even hired the first female barber, Bonnie Weidman.
“The new 172 Main Street will pay tribute to the history of the building in both name and décor … Angie’s Ice Cream Shoppe. It looks like things will get a little bit sweeter this summer. The storefront will be restored back to its original glory complete with an awning, bench, and ice cream cone blade sign. The goal is to continue revitalizing Dansville’s classic Main Street.,” Bacon said. “Angie’s hopes well sweet tooths stop for a scoop or two customers will continue to support local business and shop in other small business. The vintage theme ice cream parlor will feature some classic barber shop flair.”
Angie’s Ice Cream Shoppe has the same design team that worked on Battle Street Brewery.
They plan on using the same dedication and attention to detail and history from custom mill work of bar cabinets to the originally restored tin ceiling.
Bacon added that in restoring the old building to its original glory the brothers plan on bringing new life to an existing structure and celebrating its history.
Angie’s will provide several premium homemade ice cream selections in both soft serve and handcrafted hard packed ice cream. All of the ice cream will be made with fresh local dairy. You can enjoy it in a fresh waffle cone or sip it from a homemade root beer float made with kraft soda.
Angie’s Ice Cream Shoppe plans a grand opening in May. They are currently hiring in various positions. Visit www.iloveangies.com for more information and for applications.