A Hometown Barber with Generational Impact on NW 5th Avenue
At the corner of tradition and transformation sits Primos Precision Grooming, a barbershop deeply rooted in Delray Beach’s NW 5th Avenue corridor. Owned and operated by Delray Beach native CJ Grant, Primos isn’t just a business—it’s a community fixture with a story that blends legacy, local pride, and a vision for continued growth.
CJ, who has been cutting hair for over two decades, opened Primos in 2017 alongside his wife. For him, the name “Primos” is more than just a clever nod to family. “I have a very large family within Palm Beach County. Anywhere I would be, somebody would always yell out, ‘Cuz, can you give me a haircut?’ or ‘Cuz, when are you gonna get me fresh?’ In Spanish and Italian, ‘Primo’ means cousin, excellent, or first-rate,” he explains.
That strong sense of connection—both familial and community-based—is what drives Primos today. Born and raised in Delray Beach, CJ says he never considered opening his business anywhere else. “This is my home, and it has always taken care of me. I will always take care of them.”
Over the years, CJ has cut hair for multiple generations of families, watching children grow up and eventually bring in kids of their own. “Cutting hair for over 20+ years, I’ve cut more than three generations of different families, and that means a lot to me.”
Located in a CRA-owned property, Primos has directly benefited from improvements made through the agency’s investment in the NW 5th Avenue corridor. “Them making the improvements to the building and the surrounding area makes me, as a business owner, feel appreciated. The new roof and insulation made the biggest impact on my business and bottom line.”
CJ also sees his barbershop as a space for deeper community connection. “I want people to feel connected to the neighborhood when they leave Primos—even if it’s just an interaction with community leaders, families, kids, or educational projects. A barbershop should be a hub of information.”
And like many historic businesses that have occupied the same location before him, CJ is proud to carry on the tradition. “I would like Primos to be the cornerstone of 5th Avenue, like every prior business that’s been in this spot. One of the major factors of me wanting this location was hearing all the elders tell stories of what it used to be during their era—from the soda shop to doctor offices and pharmacies.”
As 5th Avenue continues to evolve, CJ’s hope is that more small businesses, churches, and city leaders collaborate to strengthen the area. “We’ve seen a lot change since 2017 on NW 5th Ave., and it’s for the better. I’d just love to see more interaction to keep this a great city.”
His ultimate goal for the shop’s future? “To be a constant safe haven in the community and always willing the best for it—even if it’s through change.”
