Cheese is one of the most beloved food items in the United States, a staple in many American households. It is widely used for making a range of dishes, from cheesy snacks to toppings for pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches, which is why cheese has become an integral part of the American diet. The popularity of cheese has led to a strong emotional attachment to it among many people.
However, cheese lovers might be disappointed to hear that the oldest cheese shop in the United States, Alleva Dairy, is set to shut down after 130 years due to financial struggles and court battles. Alleva Dairy is located in Manhattan’s Little Italy and is considered the oldest cheese shop in the US.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on many businesses in the tourism industry, and Alleva Dairy was no exception. The cheese shop struggled to pay rent during the pandemic, leading to a legal battle with its landlord for over $500,000 in unpaid rent. Despite fundraising efforts, the shop filed for bankruptcy, and the landlord agreed to forgive the debt but only if the shop left the building.
The owner of Alleva Dairy, Karen King, has expressed her heartbreak over the situation but also said that she is a fighter and still holds out hope that something could be done to save the store.
Although she is not sure of the future of the cheese shop, she remains hopeful and intends to open the cheese shop elsewhere. However, she acknowledges that it will not be the same as the original shop that has been selling cheese since 1892.