This Elvis is a glass act.
The sign at the new Allerton Glass Co. says it all: sheets of glass available in all shapes and sizes.
But take a look inside and you’ll meet a bonafide Elvis Presley impersonator.
His name’s Duane Spearman, a Morris Park neighbor nicknamed Elvis by many of his customers. His ringtone is set to Presley’s classic song “Hound Dog.” And though he moonlights as the King of Rock and Roll, performing at private parties, he first identifies himself as the owner of the thriving glass shop, recently settling in at 2901 White Plains Road, several blocks up from the original location at 2514 White Plains Rd.
The small business, always in the Allerton area, was forced out by a landlord who refused to renew a lease. Luckily, he and partner Joseph Pagano found one still in the Allerton nabe.
But the latest move raised some eyebrows from locals who thought the business had shut down after 34 years in business.
“We owe it to the people of this neighborhood to know that there’s still a glass store here,” said Spearman, remembering stumped customers finding the old store at a new location.
“‘We didn’t know you moved,’” was a common expression Spearman kept hearing during the first several weeks of the move.
He shares the mom and pop venture with lifelong friend Pagano, a glass wizard who’s been friends with Spearman since they were fifteen.
“He was working at Allerton Glass, I was working at a glass shop on Boston Road,” said Pagano. “We ended up buying it together.”
The duo specialize in crafting a myriad of glass-inspired accessories for the home, with a major client list that includes Burger Kings and the new Yankee Stadium.
“There’s a lot more work to be done because there’s a lot more glass than the old one,” said Pagano.
The new digs, basic and utilitarian, function as a sort of glass lab, where Spearman can fix a window while a customer waits.
“If there’s nothing on the table,” said Spearman. “We do it while you wait.”
The store is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Their shop number is 718-798-7230.
David Cruz can be reach via e-mail at DCruz@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3383
