Due to difficulties with rent during the COVID-19 pandemic, the owners of the oldest cheese shop in the US have decided to close.
For 130 years, Alleva Dairy has been in business on Grand Street in Little Italy in New York City. The shop was acquired by its current owner, Karen King, and her husband ten years ago.
COVID-19 Pandemic Strikes Restaurants
The unofficial mayor of Little Italy was King’s husband, Cha Cha, who was born and bred there, according to King, who spoke to NBC.
King fought to keep the store operating when Cha Cha passed away in 2015. But once tourist traffic halted due to the pandemic in 2020, it suffered like many other companies.
The impact on King’s business was exacerbated by the closure of many eateries that placed orders from the shop. Additionally, the store didn’t get much government assistance, according to King.
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Government Assistance
Owner King claims that despite writing to the government asking for help, no one responded to her letters. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund, a COVID-19 relief initiative, promised assistance to restaurant owners, but according to Food and Wine, “the pot was swiftly emptied as the demand outpaced the allowed subsidies.”
She resolved to revive the storied business even though she was down and out. King stated, “I have plans to create a new location and carry on the Alleva history. I want to express my gratitude for everyone’s love and support.”
In its struggle, Alleva is hardly acting alone. Since the start of the pandemic, at least 4,500 establishments have shuttered, according to a December post from the food site Eater New York, which added that “Since it’s impossible to quantify restaurant and bar closings, experts think the number is likely considerably higher and will take years to completely assess.”
The Alleva Dairy, which is situated at the intersection of Grand Street and Mulberry Street, will permanently close its doors on March 5 if you want one final snack.
King has stated that she intends to relocate the store. The Guardian was contacted on Thursday and instructed to call back the following day for comment. Staff reported that the store was incredibly busy following the news of its probable closure.
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