Douglaston residents said they were disappointed that long-time neighborhood deli Ceriello Fine Foods closed this week.
Residents said they noticed that the store, which is located at 44-35 Douglaston Parkway, was closed on Monday.
“I walked past there on Monday afternoon and thought it was strange there was no bread in the window,” said Eliott Socci, president of the Douglaston Civic Association. “I looked in the window and the shelves and freezers were empty. People that know the place will say, ‘What a shame,’ but some of those same people weren’t going into that store to buy anything.”
Socci said the deli had recently not been getting the same business it once drew.
“Fairway just put them out of business,” he said. “I had many conversations with the owner and he predicted that. He could not compete with their prices and the parking.”
Ceriello offered Italian cold cuts, imported cheese and pastas.
“We lost a wonderful local business,” said Douglaston resident Joyce Ramirez of the store’s closing. “They will be missed by many.”
Patch wants to know: Did you shop at Ceriello? If so, what is it you will miss about the store now that it is gone? Post your comments in the section provided below.
