America's oldest cheese factory closes after 130 years: 'I was hoping this day would never come'

A cheese factory considered the oldest in the United States is about to close, after its owners struggled to pay their rent during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Alleva Dairy, on Grand Street in New York's Little Italy, has been in business for 130 years. Its current owner, Karen King, bought the store ten years ago with her husband.
"My husband was born and raised in Little Italy, his name was Cha Cha and he was the unofficial mayor of Little Italy,” King told NBC.
After Cha Cha died in 2015, King worked to keep the shop open. But in 2020, like many businesses, it was hit by the pandemic as tourist traffic stopped.
"There was literally no one on the streets but we decided we had to do something,” King said. exacerbated the impact on King's business. The store has also not received substantial government assistance, King said.
"I have written extensively to senators and government officials," said she told the New York Post. "We met with the governor's office and paid lip service."
Business picked up as the pandemic receded, especially that the store has expanded to serving sandwiches and ready meals. But it wasn't enough to pay the rents due.
"It helped me, but it didn't bring in the money I needed ", King told NBC.

The store, which began selling cheese in 1892, became involved in a long legal battle with its owner over hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid rent. In September, the store filed for bankruptcy. Fundraising efforts did not yield enough to repay the $500,000 owed.
Under an agreement, the store will no longer be responsible for backlogs of rent but will not have the remainder of its 10-year lease honored, ABC reported.
"My landlord and I have reached an agreement releasing me from all financial obligations," King said in a statement. "I really hoped that day would never come and it's sad."
The last day the historic store is open is March 5th.< /p>
King said she hopes to open the store in another location. On Thursday, the Guardian was asked to call back for comment the following day. After news of its impending closure, staff said the store was extremely busy.

Food & Recipes Feb 10, 2023 0 32 Add to Reading List

America's oldest cheese factory closes after 130 years: 'I was hoping this day would never come'

A cheese factory considered the oldest in the United States is about to close, after its owners struggled to pay their rent during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Alleva Dairy, on Grand Street in New York's Little Italy, has been in business for 130 years. Its current owner, Karen King, bought the store ten years ago with her husband.

"My husband was born and raised in Little Italy, his name was Cha Cha and he was the unofficial mayor of Little Italy,” King told NBC.

After Cha Cha died in 2015, King worked to keep the shop open. But in 2020, like many businesses, it was hit by the pandemic as tourist traffic stopped.

"There was literally no one on the streets but we decided we had to do something,” King said. exacerbated the impact on King's business. The store has also not received substantial government assistance, King said.

"I have written extensively to senators and government officials," said she told the New York Post. "We met with the governor's office and paid lip service."

Business picked up as the pandemic receded, especially that the store has expanded to serving sandwiches and ready meals. But it wasn't enough to pay the rents due.

"It helped me, but it didn't bring in the money I needed ", King told NBC.

The store, which began selling cheese in 1892, became involved in a long legal battle with its owner over hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid rent. In September, the store filed for bankruptcy. Fundraising efforts did not yield enough to repay the $500,000 owed.

Under an agreement, the store will no longer be responsible for backlogs of rent but will not have the remainder of its 10-year lease honored, ABC reported.

"My landlord and I have reached an agreement releasing me from all financial obligations," King said in a statement. "I really hoped that day would never come and it's sad."

The last day the historic store is open is March 5th.< /p>

King said she hopes to open the store in another location. On Thursday, the Guardian was asked to call back for comment the following day. After news of its impending closure, staff said the store was extremely busy.