Alleva is the classic storefront you might imagine. A cannoli case sat on the corner, attracting tourists from the sidewalk. An Italian-green awning hung over the front windows. Neon “Alleva” signs glowed from the front windows. Paper signs with thick red font showcased: “mozzarella, sandwiches, panini, ricotta, capocollo.”
Established in 1892, Alleva is the oldest cheese store in America and continues to serve its community by making the finest quality ricotta and mozzarella. Alleva’s origins are Benevento, Italy from where the owner, Pina Alleva, immigrated. Robert Alleva, Irma’s nephew, ran the store until 2014 when their cousin John “Cha Cha” Ciarcia took over the reigns. Cha Cha was affectionately known as the unofficial mayor of Little Italy. Sadly, Cha Cha passed on in 2015 leaving his wife, Karen King, to carry on the tradition of Alleva Dairy.
The store, which bills itself as the oldest cheese store in America, was established in 1892 and still makes its own fresh ricotta and mozzarella daily. Danza’s partner is Karen King, who was married to the unofficial mayor of Mulberry St., John (Cha Cha) Ciarcia. Ciarcia was Danza’s boxing manager when the actor used to duke it out in the ring and was best man when Danny DeVito married Rhea Perlman.
The shop makes nine special heroes, including the “San Gennaro” and the “Alleva,” but naturally one of the most popular is the “Tony Danza,” stuffed with roast beef, Swiss, hot peppers, lettuce, and spicy mustard.
According to nydailynews.com; allevadairy.com; en.wikipedia.org. Source of photos: internet
