Like many barbershops and cafés on a Saturday morning, Derby Barber and Supply has a steady stream of clientele. While the pace may be brisk, it is never hurried or loud. Large windows in the sound-proof wall separating the lounge from the bustle of the barbershop floor allow folks enjoying a cold brew in the lounge to be part of the scene.
Running a viable small business can be daunting in today’s volatile economy. Yet Vincent Gravallese, proprietor and master barber, runs a successful barber shop, a café/bar and a grooming product line—all under one roof. Is there a magic wand tucked away in those long sleeves worn by Gravallese and his barber personnel?
“From the get-go, I was wondering how I could get all three of my passions locked into one place,” said Gravallese.
RN&R readers selected Derby Barber & Supply as the Best Barber Shop, while Derby’s Bridget Varney won Best Barber; Vincent Gravallese came in second. The shop is also a runner-up in the Best Bar and Best Craft Cocktails categories.
Derby opened in 2015 on West First Street with three chairs and a basic tavern license, with the focus of serving craft beer and whiskey to the shop patrons.
Traveling though Italy with his wife, Shelly, on their honeymoon in 2016, Gravallese became intrigued by the all-day cafés where patrons could order an espresso at 6 in the evening or a negroni at 4:30 in the afternoon. He loved the coffee and cocktail vibe, so he considered how to modernize it and make it his own. The couple sampled coffee from all over the U.S. before choosing Puff Coffee from Portland, Ore. Gradually, Derby expanded to six chairs, and the libations list increased to include a couple of cocktails, pour-overs and cold brews.
In 2018, Gravallese collaborated with a chemist to develop grooming products for modern styling that are healthy for the consumer and safe for the environment. The Gravallese Co. product line is plant-based and chemical-free, used at Derby and sold to shops and salons throughout the U.S. and Canada. Shelly Gravallese, whose previous roles included color specialist and education leader, is currently the director of formulation and production, overseeing the lab and manufacturing.
Traveling though Italy with his wife, Shelly, on their honeymoon in 2016, Gravallese became intrigued by the all-day cafés where patrons could order an espresso at 6 in the evening or a negroni at 4:30 in the afternoon.
“Shelly and I are very involved on the ground level with our employees,” Gravallese said. “I think it is super-important.”
When Derby moved to 406 California Ave. in June 2025, the bar/café evolved into a broader experience. The barbershops with bars that Gravallese has encountered on his travels kept the bar and shop areas separate. He briefly considered separating the café and barbershop, but decided the blended environment would provide a unique experience.
Gravallese’s primary advice for those considering a multi-business model: Create good systems with good people. It’s a straightforward practice, but not easy. He acknowledged that developing the right systems involved a lot of hard work.
“Take your time hiring people; pay what people are worth,” he said. “You hire quality people; you get quality work.”
Though operational needs for each product and service vary, the craftsman approach of equipping qualified personnel with quality training, tools and materials applies to all aspects of the business.
“Trend-proof, long hair or short hair, it doesn’t matter—you can do it all,” Gravallese said of having a staff with a diverse skill set.
The shop has a 1940s ambience, with marble-topped bar and café tables, and paintings of jazz musicians adorning the walls. The barbers’ attire of ties, vests and slacks sets a professional tone and creates a sense of place and time. Though fond of post-war Americana, Gravallese also keeps an eye toward emerging trends. The product line recently switched to aluminum packaging for better recycling and lighter for shipping.
During his travels on behalf of Gravallese & Co., he checks out the clubs for the latest craft cocktails.
“Fun and cutting-edge, doing things other people aren’t doing and taking care of people along the way, both client and employee—that what makes business truly sustainable,” Gravallese said.
Learn more at www.derbybarber.com.