Ernie “da Barber” Flores retired from 317 ½ Main Street this past week. Ernie bought the business in 1984 from the prior owner, Mr. Harris. Ernie then subsequently sold the business in 2011, but retained a chair for himself with new owner Mike Schafer.
Ernie was proud of having served generations of families in his shop. He particularly wanted to thank his patrons from Leisure World, Old Town, the Hill and the many children from McGaugh for whom he was able to provide haircuts. He has been a Mason of the Tilapass Lodge 797 in Los Angeles and began his career in 1959.
With a stint in Los Angeles from 1960 to 1978, Ernie then went to Paramount from 1978 until his purchase of Main Street Barbers in 1984.
Earlier in March, Ernie decided it was time to retire from the shop. He hopes to open a small shop in Leisure World to continue to see his best customers.
He said, “it was hard to leave so quickly without getting a chance to say goodbye.”
Also, if people are looking for him, he can continue to be reached at (562) 477-6321.
If you do need a cut, don’t forget his long-term fellow barber Leon “Butch” who was with him for nearly 20 years. Leon can now be found at Marina Clipper. As Ernie says, “I really loved Seal Beach and all the families I worked with for nearly three decades. Thank you for the memories and your business. I had a great time on Main Street for many years.”
