It is a sad time for New Yorkers. Alleva Dairy, the oldest cheese shop in American (and in Little Italy) is shutting down next month…after 130 years in business. Word on the street is that they fell behind on rent due to lost business during covid and they just were not able to keep up with rent. Once COVID hit, things really slowed down for them. Foot traffic just wasn’t the same, and they couldn’t make rent. Apparently, they owed over $600,000 by the time the landlord filed a lawsuit against them in court.
As a Jersey Girl and a former New Yorker, I am bummed. I’m gonna miss their amazing Italian food – their fresh mozzarella, ricotta, cured meats, cannolis, and sandwiches were all so good. It was so good seeing them during the Feast of St. Gennaro. They were one of the few shops and restaurants there that were still run by Italians. And it’s not just me – everyone in the community loved them. Even some big-name celebrities like Tony Danza and Leah Remini used to come by.
What really makes me sad is that mom-and-pop shops and restaurants in New York like Alleva, Bridge Cafe, and so many others, which have somehow made it through economic downturns, wars, terrorist attacks, and natural disasters like Sandy; the places that play a crucial role in setting the personality and soul of their neighborhoods are disappearing.
It’s a tough situation, but if you’re in the area, swing by and support them, this may be your last time to taste a piece of NY history.
About Alleva Dairy, The Oldest Shop in America
When Was Alleva Dairy Established?
Alleva Dairy was established in 1892.
What is Alleva Dairy Known For?
They were known to make and sell some of the best ricotta and muzz in Manhattan.
Where did the Alleva Family Come From?
The owner, Pina Alleva is from Beneveto, Italy.
What members of the Alleva Family worked in the store.
Robert Alleva, a nephew of the owner ran the store until 2014. A cousin “Cha Cha” Ciarcia took over the role at that time. When Cha Cha died in 2015, his wife Karen took the reins, her sister Denise, nephew Sean, and Niece Nikki currently work at the shop.
Historic Specialty Food Shops & Restaurants in NYC
Alleva is closing, but you have the power to help NY’s other historic food places alive. Here is a list of historic restaurants and food shops in New York:
Fraunces: New York’s oldest bar and restaurant. Open since 1762.
EAR Inn: NYC’s oldest bar continuously serving alcohol since 1817.
Near’s Tavern: If you’ve seen Goodfella’s, you’ll recognize this place as soon as you walk in. Open since 1829.
Delmonicos: The first fine dining restaurant in the US. Open since 1837.
Pete’s Tavern: Also claims to be New York’s oldest bar and restaurant. Open since 1864.
The post Little Italy Mourns the Loss of Alleva Dairy, the Oldest Cheese Shop in America first appeared on FriendsEAT.