When Tommy DeRitis was in high school, his mother let him turn her Cherry Hill dining room into an unofficial barbershop where his friends came in a bit shaggy and left well-groomed and more confident.
Back then, they recognized his abilities, passion, and business acumen. Today, a few dozen buddies from more than 15 years ago continue to support his passion for providing great haircuts and a sense of community at Tommy’s Original Barbershop in Haddonfield.
Billy Roesberg, a contractor and foreman, has fond memories of DeRitis cutting his hair at DeRitis’ mom’s house when he was 17.
“Growing up, Tommy always had the vision of what his shop would look like,” Roesberg reflected. “This shop is everything you would expect — sports memorabilia, big-screen TVs, cigars, good conversation, and great haircuts.”
He continues to find the perfect haircut and close shave at Tommy’s Original.
So much so that Roesberg, the father of two young sons — Cooper, 7, and William, 2 — takes his eldest son to Tommy’s and knows that when his younger son is ready, he will have his first, and subsequent, haircuts there. He appreciates the camaraderie and professionalism that comes with the experience.
“It’s a great environment, and I recommend all of the barbers who work there,” Roesberg said. “Tommy has been doing this for a long time. He knows what he’s doing, and only hires the best.”
While Roesberg plans to move his family to Bucks County this summer, he said he will always make the drive to see his favorite barber.
DeRitis, a lifelong South Jersey native, opened Tommy’s Original Barbershop at 320 North Haddon Avenue in Haddonfield, in December 2021, and is proud to say that Roesberg is one of many high school friends who are among the most loyal customers at his family-friendly shop.
“I realized early on that I had an eye for styling hair, and I started noticing good and bad haircuts,” explained South Jersey native Tommy DeRitis (top row, second from left). “After my mom cut my hair with her clippers, I was hooked. I liked it enough that I wanted to keep getting better.” He opened Tommy’s Original Barbershop on North Haddon Avenue in December 2021.
Tommy’s Original is easily accessible for both local residents and those visiting from nearby communities. The barbershop stands out as a beacon of style and sophistication for those seeking not just a haircut, but an authentic barber experience.
DeRitis has been a licensed barber for more than 11 years, having worked for several other shops before opening Tommy’s Original.
He describes his vision for his shop’s décor as an upscale “man cave kind of place” with memorabilia from football, baseball, and boxing, and TVs that mostly play sports.
“I realized early on that I had an eye for styling hair, and I started noticing good and bad haircuts,” explained DeRitis. “After my mom cut my hair with her clippers, I was hooked. I liked it enough that I wanted to keep getting better.”
DeRitis chose the current location because it has a great history and is the closest place on his side of the bridge to have a city feel. As a business owner, he advises those with a goal, dream, or passion to pursue it. “Go after it,” he said. “Instead of trying to figure it all out, start to put things in place. If it’s your goal, go for it. You never know until you try.”
The shop’s services include modern and classic haircuts, hot-towel shaves, and beard trims and cuts. “There has never been a day when I didn’t want to cut hair,” he said. “I’m extremely proud of this place and the five talented guys who work for me. You know it is my place by the style, and I love being the boss.”
The glowing reviews from satisfied customers reflect the team’s commitment to excellence. Every snip and shave is performed with precision and care.
DeRitis said the six highly-skilled barbers at Tommy’s Original are not just stylists; they are artisans who blend traditional techniques with modern flair.
When he is not working in the shop, DeRitis is usually doing work-related activities such as keeping the shop crystal clean, ordering supplies, taking inventory, and carefully arranging the memorabilia.
During his free time, he enjoys spending it with his family, playing golf, and lifting weights. “I honestly don’t take much time off; the work has to get done no matter what.”
In the future, DeRitis hopes to open a second shop. “I have to find the right place and the right guys to run it, and a second location will spring to life,” he said. “I believe the expansion will come sooner rather than later.”
So why head to Tommy’s Original Barbershop? “Everyone who walks in is going to get the haircut they want, and they will have a fun time being here, too,” DeRitis said.
“It’s pretty lively all the time, especially during the morning and evening rush,” he said. “Everyone gets a good experience, a solid haircut, and some laughs.
“What else could you ask for?”
