5 days ago
Rising costs and inflation force closure of beloved Bensonhurst deli
BENSONHURST, Brooklyn (PIX11) — A beloved Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, institution is preparing to say goodbye after decades of serving its community.
The Bari Pork Store, a cherished family-run deli at the corner of 18th Avenue and 64th Street, will close its doors for good later this month, marking the end of an era for Italian meats and home-style dishes in Brooklyn.
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PIX11's Cory McGinnis spoke with co-owner Anthony Turrigiano, who reflected on the difficult choice to shut down the shop. 'Everything is going up, it's going up like crazy, and every time we order something, it goes up,' Turrigiano said, pointing to rising costs and inflation as key factors behind the closure.
On Tuesday, he was in the back of the store, grinding sausage for one of the final times, a reminder of the traditions that have defined Bari Pork Store for nearly four decades.
'More bills than what we're taking home and we can't continue like this—it's impossible,' Turrigiano added. A sign posted at the shop's entrance echoed these sentiments, citing a steady drop in customers, inflation, and increasing product prices as reasons for the closure.
For years, residents have relied on the store for its quality meats and sense of community. 'They will be missed because they cater plenty of parties, they provide the families with healthy, nutritious things,' one local said. Another added, 'My husband mostly shopped in there, and good food. It's sad they're going out, the neighborhood is changing.'
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The story of Bari Pork Store mirrors a broader trend in Bensonhurst. According to the 2023 Bensonhurst Commercial District Needs Assessment Report, 38% of local merchants reported a decrease in business over the past year, while only 19% saw improvement and 26% remained steady.
For now, Turrigiano and his family continue to serve loyal customers as they prepare to say goodbye on June 30th. 'We're doing half-day business, and that's not good at all,' Turrigiano said.
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