Bari Pork Store closing after 60 years in business in Bensonhurst
For decades, co-owners George Firrantello and Tony Turrigiano have worked side by side behind the counter, slicing, wrapping and crafting sandwiches with fresh mozzarella and fine Italian meats. But they say the foot traffic simply is not what it used to be.
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After 60 years of serving Bensonhurst, Bari Pork Store is preparing to close its doors at the end of the month. It is a bittersweet farewell for a shop deeply woven into the fabric of the neighborhood’s Italian community.
For decades, co-owners George Firrantello and Tony Turrigiano have worked side by side behind the counter, slicing, wrapping and crafting sandwiches with fresh mozzarella and fine Italian meats. But they say the foot traffic simply is not what it used to be.
"It’s not easy. We’re like family with the people here," Turrigiano said. "But unfortunately, things have to change."
Changing neighborhood demographics have led to a sharp decline in customers. What was once a steady stream of hundreds each day has dwindled to just a few dozen.
"People say, ‘Oh, you’re leaving,’ and we have to say, ‘No, no. You guys left us,’" Firrantello said.
Since announcing their closure, waves of customers—some longtime regulars, others newer faces—have returned to pay tribute to a shop that has been a cornerstone of the Bensonhurst community.
"I used to come here with my mom," said customer Francine Galluci, reminiscing about the store’s place in her childhood. "I remember Tony. He was just a delivery boy back then."
Carl Garziano, another customer, placed his final order with care.
"We’d get some 'mozzarell’, some 'prosciutt’, and of course, some fresh veal cutlets and a couple of rice balls," he said. "I would love to see a line out the door every day and give these guys, if it is the end, a great sendoff because they’ve done right by Brooklyn."
Bari pork store will officially close its doors on June 30, marking the end of an era in Bensonhurst.
