Get All Access for $5/mo

A Historic Cheese Shop in New York's Little Italy Is Closing After 130 Years in Business Economic hardships are the closing doors of Alleva Dairy, the oldest cheese shop in America.

By Entrepreneur Staff

Paul Zimmerman | Getty Images

A historic New York City cheese shop will no longer be cutting the cheese.

The owner of Alleva Dairy, which bills itself as America's oldest cheese shop, told the New York Post that after over a century of doing business in New York City's Little Italy, the shop is being forced to close its doors.

"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 told The Post.

Related: The Rise and Fall of Chuck E. Cheese in Photos

The shop survived historic disasters, including Superstorm Sandy and 9/11, but the pandemic put Alleva in a financial hole it could not dig itself out of. The monthly rent is $23,756, according to court records.

The Post reports that the shop was in Chapter 11 bankruptcy after accumulating about $628,00 dollars in back rent.

Renowned for its fresh mozzarella, ricotta, cured meats and cannoli, Alleva drew everyday shoppers and celebrities alike. Actors Leah Remini, Michael Imperioli, Tony Danza (pictured above), and comedian Sebastian Maniscalco were fans, as was actor Chaz Palminteri who told the Post, "It's a loss. It's sad that a store like that has to go under. Alleva was a great store."

Related: Sleep Company Will Pay You to Eat Cheese Late at Night

Owner King says she reached out for government assistance, but her letters went unanswered. Food and Wine writes that one COVID-19 relief program called the Restaurant Revitalization Fund had promised business owners support, but "the pot was quickly depleted as the demand exceeded the allocated grants."

Down, but never out, she vowed to resurrect the famed establishment. "I have plans to open a new location and continue the Alleva legacy," King said. "I want to thank everyone for their love and support."

Related: What Mac and Cheese Can Teach You About Business

Alleva is far from alone in its struggle. Food blog Eater New York reported in December that since the pandemic began, at least 4,500 restaurants have closed, noting "Since it's difficult to track restaurant and bar closings, experts say that number is likely much higher and will take years to fully assess."

If you want a last bite, Alleva Dairy (located on the corner of Mulberry Street and Grand Street) will shut its doors for good on March 5.

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

A Former Corporate Lawyer Now Makes Six Figures on YouTube — Here's How She Does It

Here are the secrets to starting and growing a successful YouTube channel, according to a YouTuber with millions of subscribers.

Growing a Business

How to Determine The Ideal Length of Your Marketing Emails Your Customers Will Actually Read

Wondering how long your marketing emails should be? Here's what consumers say — so you can send them exactly what they like.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.