Alleva Dairy, a Manhattan-based cheese shop located in the Little Italy neighborhood, is set to close after 130 years in the business. It is considered the oldest cheese store in the country, reports AMNY.
The store is known for its Italian offerings of mozzarella, ricotta, cured meats, cannolis, and sandwiches.
The decision to close comes after falling behind on rent payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The owner, Karen King, told the New York Post that she tried everything to keep the store running.
“I’ve written letters extensively to Senators and government officials,” King said.
Locals are saddened by the news. Tessa Ward, who often frequents the shop said, “Independent Mom and Pop specialty shops, such as Alleva, are the very fabric New York City is made from. My weekly visits to Alleva Dairy will forever remain in my heart.”
Despite the closure, King plans to open in a new location to continue the shop’s legacy. Full Story
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Image: Alleva Dairy