Dave and Tony Salumeria to close at the end of October

ASTORIA, Queens (PIX11) — Dave and Tony Salumeria in Astoria will shutter at the end of the month.

The beloved deli is a one-stop shop for all things Italian, mostly imported from Italy.

Joe Ciccarelli bought the place 39 years ago. “I thought maybe I’ll be here 5-10 years and make some money. 39 years I’m still here.”

Even before Ciccarelli bought it- the shop was well-known in the neighborhood. He estimates it’s been around anywhere between 85 to 90 years.

Over the decades, Ciccarelli has worked hard to make the place his own- and differentiate it for big box stores.

He says, “People come and say – slice the prosciutto thin and we slice it thin: they like the service. “The prices too. They’re fair.”

He adds, “The selection- like you know you buy a brand of macaroni.. we have 20 types.”

But like all good things..this era is coming to an end.

In the spring, when he turned 65- Ciccarelli decided it was time to retire.

He tried to sell the business but had no luck. Instead, he’ll rent it out to new owners who plan to turn the space into a burger and pizza spot.

As he prepares to say goodbye, he says the thing he’ll miss most is the customers. “The people, the customers, a lot of them became friends. We just talk about anything.”

“I can’t believe how many people love me,” he says as he laughs.

And his longtime customers- they are sad to see the business go.

Marvin Cochran says, “It hurts it hurts. It hurts to see any small business close and we’ve been friends for a long time.”

Elvira Millevoi says, “Very sad he’s very a nice man and we’re going to miss him a lot.”

Ciccarelli is sad too- but says it’s time. “I’m happy I’m happy I’m retiring. Do things I couldn’t do before. Travel more go to Italy for a month instead of a week.”

He wants to thank his customers for their love and loyalty.

Dave and Tony Salumeria will close on Oct 26.

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