Alleva Dairy reopens in Chelsea Market after 130 years in Little Italy

Alleva Dairy, recognized as America’s oldest cheese shop, is reopening in Chelsea Market after its original Little Italy location closed in March 2023. The shop had operated on Mulberry Street for 130 years before owner Karen King was forced to close due to rent payment difficulties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

King reached an agreement with the landlord, Jerome G. Stabile III Realty, to break the previous lease without being required to pay back rent. The new location in the Meatpacking District marks a strategic shift from a traditional grocery model toward a focus on prepared foods.

The updated menu, featuring items such as signature sandwiches and classic Italian entrees like ravioli alla vodka and rigatoni bolognese, is being developed with chef Carlo Palandri. The shop will also display original signage that is over a century old.