CLEVELAND — For George Anastasakis, hats never go out of style.
"Our tagline is 'hats are back' but we never think they left," laughs the owner of Mike the Hatter located in downtown Cleveland.
A three-story shop with one of the largest hat selections in the country, for him, it's more than a job because it's a family business.
"My grandfather started the business in 1937 as an immigrant just starting a business," he said.
And it has been in their family ever since.
"This is a passion our family has," says George.
It's been a passion since his grandfather Pete opened the shop 86 years ago.
"His name was Pete by the way," laughs George. "There is not Mike as ownership, but that's a whole different story. I think my grandfather got a deal on the sign!"
When Pete retired, George's uncle took the shop over and now George is the third generation owner.
"You have to keep it moving," said George.
George has continued to live up to the pressure of continuing his grandpa's legacy by modernizing in some areas but also staying true to the traditions that have gotten them here.
Mike the Hatter not only sells hats, but is one of the few shops in the country that also cleans, repairs and custom designs hats as well.
With a full-time 'hat doctor' on the team, they have an attention to detail that brings the past to life and continues to preserve their family legacy.
You can visit Mike the Hatter at 530 Euclid in downtown Cleveland.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on May 4, 2023.