Meet Cory Danger of Golden Crown Barber Shop and Bardega

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cory Danger.

Hi Cory, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started barbering 20 years ago when I found out I was going to have my first son. I was 24 years old and had a license for several years but wasn’t using it. My son’s birth was the motivation I needed to focus on a career rather than a job. After five years and a second son, I felt like I needed to open my own barber shop. In 2011, I opened Golden Crown Barber Shop in Laguna Niguel. During that time, I was also co-producing MusInk Tattoo and Music Festival at the Costa Mesa fairgrounds every March. I was responsible for the Tattoo part of the festival. Through that, I had some great opportunities to create barber shop activations at other festivals like Coachella, Stagecoach and Brew Ha Ha Productions.

Golden Crown developed a good reputation for solid, consistent services and a welcoming atmosphere at a fair price. We’re rooted in being a neighborhood barber shop serving our community while also getting to go out and participate in these large-scale, sometimes national festivals.

I’ve been fortunate to have a group of barbers that represent Golden Crown so well it gave me the opportunity to think bigger and expand without compromising what makes us who we are. This year will mark 15 years in business, and there are currently four locations in Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa. During this time, I have also opened and closed a Men’s Grooming and Supply Store as well as bought and sold three barber shops in Portland, Oregon.

Most recently, I opened an eclectic bar, restaurant and market in Laguna Hills called Bardega with my friend and business partner, Matt Sharp. Bardega’s cocktail menu offers no-ABV, low-ABV and full spirit libations, creating a one-of-a-kind space where everyone is invited to enjoy evenings out their way. Alongside the innovative libations, we’re serving up modern twists on classic food favorites, like elevated TV Dinners and upgraded hot dogs.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every business has its challenges. Some were small and some very large. A notable struggle for me was shortly after I opened my second location. When you’re in a growth period for the first time, it’s very easy to spread yourself too thin. I found myself lacking in some basic maintenance areas at my first shop, and it was affecting the barbers. Max Esposito was my first hire. He literally helped me paint the walls before opening and has been with me ever since. He called me out on where I was lacking and how it was hurting Golden Crown. He gave me my first real ego check, and rather than reacting, I listened, and he became my first manager. It taught me how to share responsibilities for the greater good of the business and showed me it’s not just my barber shop anymore.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Golden Crown Barber Shop is known for being a family-friendly, professional, kick ass clubhouse with the coolest guys giving the freshest haircuts. Ego’s checked at the door. Our clientele is made up of celebrities, athletes, bartenders, construction workers, creatives, kids and anyone else you can think of. There’s no judgment; all are welcome and treated the same. Ages 1 to 100+. We’re walk-in only, so relax and wait your turn.

I’m most proud of my crew. When I opened up, I learned real quick that my unique way of hospitality would be a driving force behind my success. My crew has been able to maintain that hospitality while growing it and developing us into something special. It’s hard to describe, but once you’ve experienced it, you know why we’re unique.

At Bardega, we’re known for seamlessly reimagining nostalgic food and drinks with modern twists. Many of our cocktails can also be made low or no-ABV, and each one has been crafted to preserve the integrity of a traditional cocktail without the alcohol.

What are your plans for the future?
Currently, we’re working really hard at growing our Costa Mesa location. It’s the newest, just opening at the end of October 2024. We have also just introduced SMP (Scalp Micro Pigmentation) to our service menu. That’s a really popular form of semi-permanent hair tattooing that creates a fuller look for those who might need some help in that area.

A lot of my time is currently spent at Bardega, as we just opened up in December 2025. I’m really proud and excited for everyone to come and enjoy it! We’ve created a really cool shared space for traditional bargoers and the growing community of sober and sober-curious. About 75% of our cocktail menu is available low or no-ABV. Not to mention the food is crazy good!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.goldencrownbarbershop.com/ and https://drinkbardega.com/
• Instagram: @goldencrownbarbershop @goldencrownsmp @drinkbardega