In fewer than 30 days, Lower Manhattan’s Little Italy — at one time a roaring hub of Italian American culture — will lose yet another business, Alleva Dairy.

The cheese shop, considered the oldest in the nation, has inhabited the corner of Mulberry and Grand street for 130 years.

“We’re supposed to be out by March 5th,” owner Karen King told NBC-New York.

Ten years ago, King and her husband, Cha Cha, bought Alleva Dairy, a shop made famous for its authentic cheeses (like the mozzarella made fresh every day) and over-sized sandwiches.

“My husband was born and raised in Little Italy … and he was the unofficial mayor of Little Italy,” said King.

When Cha Cha died in 2015, King made it her mission to keep Alleva going. But then the pandemic hit, and businesses in the tourist-centric area were hit hard by shutdowns.

As it stands, King is hoping for a miracle.

 

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