Alleva Dairy, otherwise known as the oldest cheese shop in America, is a community staple that has been bringing incomparable Italian cheeses to NYC for 130 years.
However, the historical Little Italy spot has been facing the risk of permanent closure since the pandemic. And now it’s official: Alleva Dairy has closed down in NYC, bringing business at this century-old spot to a halt on 188 Grand Street, according to the New York Post.
Its legendary roots began with Pina Alleva who first immigrated to NYC back in the 1800s. Since then, the business has been passed down through various members across five generations of the Alleva family, now currently helmed by Karen King.
“After a remarkable 130 years, my beloved Alleva Dairy will no longer be on the corner of Mulberry and Grand Street in Little Italy, New York,” owner Karen King informed The Post.
According to The Post, Alleva Dairy failed to cover around $628,000 in back rent throughout its operation during the pandemic. King and the landlord supposedly came to an agreement to release Alleva Dairy of its debt so long as it vacates the property by March. King confirmed with The Post that the businesses’ last official day was Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Not only was there a lack of tourists in Little Italy throughout the hardest parts of pandemic, the unfortunate closures of nearby businesses in the neighborhood that used to rely on Alleva’s many products only added to shop’s loss of profits, noted The Post. Though King turned to take-out and catering services, it wasn’t enough to cover the $23,756 in monthly rent.
However, a breaking news update first reported by The Post explains that this won’t be the end of Alleva Dairy, it will simply be a relocation. Where to? Well, just across the river in New Jersey!
“Thanks to the vision, generosity and commitment of businessman and developer, Jack Morris, President and CEO, of Edgewood Properties, Alleva Dairy will be opening a 3,700-square-foot store at 9 Polito Ave. in Lyndhurst, NJ,” shared King, according to The Post. She reassured previously devastated customers that “Alleva Dairy will continue and will be bigger and better than before.”
Though it’s highest praises come from its homemade mozzarella and ricotta, the shop offers more Italian fare and quality to-go entrees like sandwiches, dried meats, and pasta that you can’t get just anywhere.
Find out more about this slice of NYC history here.