The Last Butcher Shop in Little Italy

[@TanukiSC]

Incredible dedication to her family’s legacy. Truly wish her nothing but success and happiness. Really beautiful story and very glad you chose to share it.

[@BURRITOBOY]

Made her an offer she couldn't refuse

[@geniocristo5297]

Shut up

[@addy5066]

@@BURRITOBOY 😄

[@M3ND3LA]

Came here to write a comment just like this...

[@bobdole7292]

She not Even wearing gloves sometimes when she touches the meat this is a safety violation the health board needs to shut this place down and consider criminal charges

[@zeromelato3927]

a lot of people wouldn’t do this. the fact that it’s out of wanting to keep her families legacy alive. words can’t even express how amazing this is. keep it up, you’re doing great.

[@brotherdj777]

"Good" people don't go to heaven, because there's no such thing as a "good" person. The bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. That is why we need Jesus who took the punishment for our sin on the cross. The only way to heaven is through Jesus. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

[@Ebrietas117]

@@brotherdj777 Sir, this is a Wendy's

[@Khazandar]

@@brotherdj777 Sir, this is a McDonald's Drivethru.

[@brotherdj777]

🙄 side effect of too much social media 🙄

[@mazmikemaz]

Awesome

[@leechrec]

This girl rocks. Hope this business thrives at least a 100 more years.

[@AnvilMAn603]

it wont, the area is slowly going from little italy to little beijing

[@leechrec]

@@AnvilMAn603 Aaawwww shiiiiieeet

[@saltmerchant749]

@@AnvilMAn603 In that event, the main selling meat will shift from beef to pork, but people will still want quality cuts of meat.

[@maxwellanderson8173]

Great shop, great history

[@donna25871]

We need to support family businesses...and I love her passion for it.

[@randomgayguyman]

Why must we support family business?

[@CrimesForDimes]

@@randomgayguyman Because family business owners have a greater interest in their business, consumers can benefit from more helpful customer support and more trust in the company and can find unique products that stand out from the competition. But I personally think you shouldn't be forced to do it.

[@SCY7H3]

No we don't. You're just saying that because you watched this video

[@CrimesForDimes]

@@randomgayguyman Damn, my bad I made a misspell.

[@jackward770]

Then carry on supporting large corporations who don’t care about anything other then profits

[@steven05091983]

God bless this young lady and she’s a champion. We need more of this.

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

Wow! I think I remember this place from my childhood in the 1960-70s! My family owned the Chinese flower shop on Hester and Elizabeth St about a few blocks away. We were one of the first Chinese businesses to set up north of Canal St. As this neighborhood was all of Little Italy still. I still remember going to Mott St. every day after school for pizza and bread from a nice old Italian grandma bakery. Or sent to buy cold cuts at the pork store on Mott and Grand St. I will always remember the one quiet Summer weekend afternoon when my aunt baby sat us and we walked up Elizabeth to Spring St. and back down Mott St. It was so quiet and peaceful that day, and still so Little Italy. NYC was tough back then, but it had its tender softer moments that are lost these days. SOHO was so different and quiet back then during the evenings and on weekends.

[@Sazed0]

i love stories like this, thank you for sharing!

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

I've been a butcher for 27 years and butchers that can break down a hanging carcass, whether it's beef, lamb, pork or even exotics and bison, is a dying thing overall. I take great pride in my trade and my skills and it's provided very well for me. Seeing her do it brings a smile to my face. Pretty young woman who appreciates the history and artistic aspects

[@davidaucoin7280]

This is the soul of our economy. This is the type of business that needs to be supported 100%. May she have nothing but success and never lose the passion and vision that her ancestors built as a foundation for her to build her life on. May she prosper enough to NEED to hire extra help.

[@davidaucoin7280]

@Open Mike I would if I lived there but I live in Canada

[@Chetos234dsfsdf435]

@Open Mike we Canadians always support local first

[@Khazandar]

Economy has no soul, it's all about the relentless quest for profit.

[@mjberta7319]

@@davidaucoin7280 I'm from northern Alberta and the local butcher shop has pretty much forced the stores to stop selling many meats because people stopped buying from them and chose the shop instead it's so nice to see

[@davidaucoin7280]

@@mjberta7319 very nice to see. A lotof people are looking for an alternative to the suppermarket. They are willing to pay more for a better quality and know the souce of their food.

[@annam.1705]

Here in Germany, it is still pretty common to do your shopping at the local butchers or the local bakery and I would hate for that tradition to disappear. It is lovely how she is continuing the tradition in a place where it has been disappearing.

[@AILDdrums]

Unfortunately that is the case at least where I am in the us. Basically everything is at the supermarket. Generally low quality breads, the meats are so-so.

[@glumboy4229]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZSbl3mcnZKhfdU

[@nightnaughty]

It's common also in most of latinoamerica, in Argentina we have a mix of mostly small family run business and the big chain supermarkets, some things like meat, veggies, fruit and fish people prefer to buy in local business because of the familiarity, they know what you order regulary, the prices differ a little from the supermarket and you see the product up close and not wrap up in plastic for an standard buyer. The only time people buy in supermarkets over small business is when the big chains have offers to pay with credit cards in several payments, an option that obviously an small business can't afford.

[@annam.1705]

@@nightnaughty thank you for sharing! I always love going to supermarkets and markets in foreign countries because it tells you so much about a culture.

[@ANF6000]

I got some Blutwurst at the local shop last Friday - they were out of Kalbsleber. I had forgotten how much I love the smell of a traditional butcher shop... Will go there more often now.

[@emanuelmartinez2597]

Love to see a family still running their business after soo many decades. Passing it on from generation to generation is a blessing.

[@aitqhjofr]

This was beautiful to watch. She clearly loves her grandfather. Wishing her all the success and happiness in the world.

[@GregCurtin45]

She's adorable. Imagine if the rest of this world could have half of her attitude, drive, and commitment? Thank you #Munchies. This is still your very best contribution to humanity.

[@trblmkr5139]

i agree that she's amazing but i'd still rather everyone be different.

[@nihonkokusai]

@@trblmkr5139 Her passion is beyond any word I can say

[@mika274]

Your right, but to add Family, tradition and inheritance are also important. Most businesses that we families owned have become obselete. Which means that the skills cannot be inherited, unfortunately. And even if your contribution is not humanity but only to your family (legitimately), that is also just fine.

[@darckto7247]

simp

[@Bmmrl]

I started following their IG page in 2020. My heart broke when her grandfather passed due to COVID. How lucky to have spent as much time with her grandfather. Definitely looking forward to visit the Butcher Shop when I go to New York!!

[@timorthelame1]

For me there's nothing so beautiful as a wholesome Italian young lady. Seeing her face and hearing her voice brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart.

[@NYCfrankie]

Native New Yorker from Bensonhurst Brooklyn born and raised 🇮🇹💯% I've only been here a few times but its great to see her keeping the traditions alive and its also sad to see because Italian neighborhoods are dying out little italy in Manhattan is getting smaller and smaller Bensonhurst is less and less Italian every year and the same in Bronx little italy Belmont or Ozone Park Howard Beach in Queens we need to keep our culture alive FORZA ITALIA 🇮🇹

[@RobertaFierro-mc1ub]

I lived on Elizabeth Street! Ahhh..the Good Old Days..innocence lost. A block away was The Bowerie..

[@pokershark2013]

Such a beautiful story. I bet her Grandfather was so proud seeing his Granddaughter slowly taking over his life longs work. Beautiful.

[@ThumperKJFK]

wow. I can't tell you how many times I have walked down that very street over the years. Just to know that not every family run store is gone. I am from the 1954 era in Brooklyn, parents moved to Queens where I grew up as an engineer in Broadcasting. That walk I told you about started way back on weekends with my Dad on his day's off, Him and I started our early every Sat walk getting off the Subway in the Village, and ending up all the way in lower downtown near wall street across from his job at the phone co. What was so special about that walk, was all of the shops and people he knew and visiting each shop, just to say Hi. :) He knew them all by name, and they would always call out, Hey George, got the little one with you. lol Me.Seeing you in the front of the store standing in the doorway. That is what I remember of those day's. That is the stance of all the owners gave my Dad that same call. Sadly, Most all of that old community is gone, Driven out by the high rents and other things like none of the younger kids wanting to take over the business. I loved all the photos you have up in the store. It is telling a story of day's gone by. I will have to make that trip via subway, and try and do that ole walk my Dad and I did every Saturday. Stop by your shop and buy something and talk. Thank you for the stories of your Family and the Shop. Bless you for trying to keep the light on. 👍👍👍

[@diannemarshall4078]

Bless her she could do anything in her life. I will be visiting her store. She will flourish She is a solid young woman. Her family must be very proud her.

[@there_is_nothing_here]

Never thought a story about a butcher shop would make me teary eyed. I wish I had a little shop like this close to my house.

[@MT-lp1cp]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@pietateip]

yeah the "problem" is, they charge a lot more and there's not much choice. don't get me wrong, I love what's she's doing, but it's too small a place for our current 'needs'. I need to visit a couple of those to get what I need, or just one big butcher...

[@timschmitt7550]

This is one of the most warmhearted and sweetest women I ever saw.

[@2Loto]

She is simply mesmerizing.

[@ianbridges6040]

Agreed

[@mokajones74]

"I don't think im supposed to be here, but I think if there was anyone to keep it going, it's me. Im the one who cares about everything in here." As a cook that's got out over the quarantine, but inevitably found myself back, I completely understand what she means. I hope the future provides an opportunity for her passion in acting and performance.

[@jonathanh2605]

Im a butcher in Hereford England.......thank you so much for your effort,my love and best wishes to you...xxx

[@tbjdiamonddog]

What’s a beautiful life story, god bless her

[@loubock3238]

God bless Jennifer, She is a gem. What loving dedication to her family, the neighborhood, and our beautiful Italian culture. I'm sure many are very proud of her but Nonno is smiling down from heaven and saying " that's my girl" with a such a warm smile. Bellissima Jennifer, you never know what life is going to give you, you made it a dream, career and have the passion to see it through. Blessings to you and your famiglia. xoxo

[@daddymcpapi7520]

notice how she scrapes off the fat/grit on the steaks because it is saw cut. there is no grocery store that does that anymore. my Italian dad showed me that when I was a kid. she is legit.

[@hitstickwear3189]

It's hard to provide quality over quantity when your bosses are pushing you to work harder for less money with a skeleton crew that's already over worked. We literally go through pallet loads of stock compared to her one or 2 cuts of each so yeah, it's an unfortunate sacrifice that we have to make in order to keep the shelves full in the amount of time were given to get all the work done. Preferably I'd have the band saw dust scraped but we just don't have the extra hands to do so.. 😶

[@daddymcpapi7520]

@@hitstickwear3189 i totally get it. I meant no disrespect by the comment. I worked in a grocery store as a kid and would disappear back into the butchers area to hang out, watch and sometimes they would let me cut. some of my fondest memories working there.

[@robertmccarthy1256]

Yes there are…….sounds like you shop in dump stores. I’ve seen company bosses tear open packs of meat and look at the back sides to make sure the bone dust was scraped off.

[@AndreaMelk92]

She's not italian, is albanese!!

[@daddymcpapi7520]

@@robertmccarthy1256 "dump stores"...thanks for stopping by, Bobby!

[@mattwilliams1466]

Love seeing people keeping butcher shops alive. And I really appreciate individual hand meat cutters that have a passion for the work.

[@bestrongcourageous2932]

Heart warming story! I hope you continue your family’s legacy and that you can pass it on to your children! Beautiful soul 👍

[@Caesar-pj5kc]

You are EVERYTHING ITALIAN. God Bless You. ✝️🇮🇹🇺🇲✝️

[@ericobrien6532]

What an awesome story! Admire the relationship and "Rite of Passage" with/from her Grandfather...continued success to you!

[@dmfub2348]

I wish Jen all the best for the future. A lovely warm happy story in a time of darkness and despair across the globe. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kierrabee]

I hope this store flourishes even more and that she’s happy🙏🏾

[@joselitojoseph2345]

wow !!! i was in tears 51 old man just listening to her story then seeing her crying about her grad father what a story !! from London back to ny to take over the family’s business as a BUTCHER people wow how good is GOD ???

[@bigblueocean]

A beautiful woman with a beautiful store. Sorry to hear that grandpa was taken by Covid. I'm sure he was happy to see you take over. Bless you both.

[@jtawatere1844]

What a wonderful selfless young lady. To take over that butcher shop is totally amazing, her Great great grandparents and her Grandparents would be sooo proud of what she has done.....Bless you young lady, the world needs more beautiful people like you.

[@pr3ttyb0yfl4cko]

This is a very beautiful story, it even made me tear up. Her passion, dedication, and love for their business is priceless. I wish her nothing but success in life and I hope the butcher shop last for a 100 years more.

[@Keithboy985]

I hope her shop stays open and she continues to be successful in the future; she just seems so passionate and genuine about her craft.

[@niko36]

I just got back from 3 months in Italy, there’s butchers everywhere, they’re great! You can get anything you want want, if they don’t have it, they’ll get it for you. And your local butcher is great, they know what you like, they hook you up all the time, its so much better then a supermarket.

[@movementsNYC]

One of the most beautiful stories I've ever seen on the web. Really touching. She'll always be fine. Brooklyn forever. Top shelf work by Munchies. 👏🏆

[@AsianFoodNerd]

🥩Jennifer actual looks happy taking over the family business. 🥩

[@AsianFoodNerd]

@PrisonCipher indeed. the steak emoji's have been freed and found a home.

[@maggiechan33]

I grew up in that neighborhood of Chinatown/Little Italy; went to Transfiguration Parochial School, but have moved away. Next time I go to Chinatown/Little Italy, have to visit Jen. Jen is truly what her surname is: Precious.

[@marge3157]

As a cattle rancher in the middle of nowhere Oregon I love seeing stories like this.

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

Grandpa is smiling down ear to ear, very proud of this hardworking very competent young lady. I hope business thrives for 100 more!! America NEEDS places like this!! It's the backbone, the soul of America!!

[@seanpereira6961]

If nothing else, it's heartwarming to watch how she got to spend a lot of time with her Grandpa in his final years, a true gift for both parties

[@themeat5053]

I think I just found my newest daughter-in law. She checks all the boxes and owns a butcher shop. Thank you, God. Also, I am so happy that she learned her trade the proper way, at the foot of the master, her grandfather. Nothing but praise for this young lady.

[@careysharp8340]

You can't help but love this hard working young lady . Keep the family tradition going. 🌹

[@tomawen5916]

I can only think and say that her grandfather and great grandmother are beaming smiles at her from heaven. God bless Jen and may she keep that shop open.

[@derryXDINES]

This is so awesome to see. My dad owned butcher shops in Bensonhurst Brooklyn and upstate. Not quite as historic as this place. She has a great personality too. I'll have to stop by next time I'm in NYC.

[@soniatriana9091]

A beautiful transition from a lovely grandfather to a loving granddaughter! A true love story! I wish I could shop in this store!! Thank you for such an amazing & uplifting story! What a beautiful family legacy!!!

[@stapleboss]

I don't know if I've ever seen someone so at peace with themselves. This lady is awesome.

[@alexj1984]

This is such a wonderful story. Probably one of the sweetest I’ve ever heard. It’s funny how things work out in life. I could only imagine the feelings that grandpa felt when he knew she was going to take over the store. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jungyew]

Her grandfather would be so proud of her. ❤️

[@charlestwisted9890]

Jennifer, you are a fantastic human being.

[@boostinmk7ca853]

Beautiful story I hope your store has lots of business and your grandfather's name lives on! God bless from California 🙏 my grandfather was my everything too ❤️ may yours rest in peace 🙏

[@Sonny1065LV]

Incredible story, love how she chose another path and yet the family business is always there waiting for her. The history of this family is so rich and beautiful, it's sad that her grandfather passed especially from covid, I think we forget that we lost so many people and tons of generations of family and history taken because of covid.

[@BlueEyesWhiteColombian]

it's 10 am and i am balling like a baby hearing how her grandpa supported her dream of acting and loved seeing her on stage 😭

[@johncopeland2324]

So beautiful. As a old farmer, with no one willing to carry on the farm( like so many). This made my cry. Thank you

[@Savenoone123]

I hope this store stays open for another 100! years!!

[@shinrasboy]

This is so incredibly important and these are the places that make New York worthwhile.

[@briane596able]

Amazing story ! They're grandfather/granddaughter relationship looked so genuine.

[@MrLakers92]

I really really really love this story idk why I am crying but she seems so sweet and her grandfather 😔😔😔😔I love it, keep making your grandfather proud sis!!!

[@davekragness269]

What a great story and life journey. I would shop there every day if I lived there. Jen seems like a great human and a good visit. She loves sharing the history of the store and her family. Very cool.

[@nonyobiz6481]

Please keep the shop going and keep passing it down your family. I live was born in Manhattan and lived right on Mott St. Your shop was in walking distance of where I used to live, and if I'm not mistaken.....I used to see your grandfather sweeping the store front!!

[@Popcorncedar]

I bet your grandpa is very happy to know you’re there. It’s one of the greatest thing you can do, keeping your loved ones memory going.

[@thaynesdad]

She's a special person. Wonderful attitude and beautiful story.

[@RobertPorterNZ]

What a great insight into an amazing store ... thanks for sharing and giving hope to others who have similar stores

[@mikemiles8037]

this episode really got to me, i learned this same craft cause of my grandfather, you've been blessed to have been able to learn from him Bravo too you excited to visit New York just to see history

[@Osaka_Katsu]

Loved this so much, cried watching it. I wish her all the hapiness and success life can provide her with. If anyone has seen Eater's video about Chef Mary Attea she actual goes to Albanese to buy meet some meet in the video! Love to see it!!

[@tonylouiscecilio6200]

As a butcher , this video made me really happy. I hope to run my own shop in the future, thank you for inspiring me!. Mad respect for you :)

[@DiamondLifers]

Shoutout to newyork Nico for knowing her grandfather and exposing me to this content way before it’s time here so good to see her take on her family’s tradition and let it live on

[@markapu2417]

Very heart warming. The importance of family and legacy.

[@josephsireno4977]

That’s was beautiful… one Italian butcher to another ;) .. keep on keeping on … your family is smiling down on you .. “Masterful” as my butcher grandfather would say…

[@imaldon1]

Heartouching story of love, commitment and continuity of a family legacy. God bless her dearly with help, happiness, peace and joy. ❤️🙏

[@cybrpypr]

Your family and previos generations I guarantee are SO PROUD of you and all that you have done with the store and carrying on the tradition. I pray that community supports your store in every way and I hope this video will make the restaurants in NY beat a path to your doorstep. God Bless.

[@DADMOM82010]

You in all honesty almost made me cry, I respect you so much and I hope your family does as well. I wish you success!!!!

[@ItsHenryHwang]

Love going to businesses like this. As someone who was in college, on a budget and then into my professional career, I had this false believe grocery stores or big chains were cheaper. These smaller mom and pop shops are actually a lot more comparable than I thought and sometimes even cheaper. Especially for deli meats and for getting customized pieces of meat. And honestly, I'd much rather get slightly smaller quantities for a much better quality piece of meat. I hope I can continue to support and shop at these stores forever. They're special.

[@KingJerbear]

100% agree and you can get it trimmed just how you like it

[@RastaImpala]

Such a beautiful story. I wish nothing but success and happiness towards Jennifer. Truly amazing to see such dedication and honor to carry on a tradition like that.

[@marcod1880]

Love this story. I wish this girl tons of success. Such a warm heart. Her parents, grandparents and great grandparents would be so proud. This is what it’s all about!!

[@annieobrien83]

Lady, wishing you all the success in the world. You are inspiring, and New Yorkers, support this young woman!

[@Brokout]

We can all make a change to support family owned stores. I hear a lot of excuses, like “I don’t have the time to shop at smaller businesses” or “It’s too expensive” but take it from me, it’s entirely possible and has an all round positive outcome in terms of your community, your health and your wealth.

[@codiefitz3876]

What a fantastic woman. Very wholesome. I’m trying to be more expressive in my appreciation for people, I love most of you.

[@CannabisTechLife]

What a fantastic story! I wish I lived there to have this place as my local butcher. Thanks for sharing!

[@Sakja]

Not many people nowadays are willing to sacrifice their careers to keep their family business alive. Good on her.

[@jasoncates2944]

It's an amazing gift in this life to be handed down a business from a family member. You honor their memory with your hard work and you provide a much needed service to your community. Well done.

[@luischacon2087]

What a beautiful story. Jen, your grandfather and family would be proud of you. You're such a beautiful soul. I hope your family legacy and business is open for another generation. Pure love.

[@cmdvalle]

Here in São Paulo, Brazil - where I am from - there is a very traditional Italian bakery that has existed for over 100 years and it is owned by a family whose last name is also Albanese. I wonder if they're related?! 😅

[@florianahmetaj4743]

The bakery and the butcher shop in this video are named after the albanian community of southern italy. The italians called them Albanese but they call themself Arbereshë. These albanian immigrants fled from the ottomans about 500 years ago from today‘s albania, west-greece and the peloponnes to italy and still kept in touch with their history, language and culture. After 500 years the community to this day still speaks albanian. In the 20th century many of these Arbereshë or how the italians called them „Albanese“ migrated to north and south America, especially to the US and Brazil. The butcher shop owner in this video has therefore albanian ancestry.

[@cmdvalle]

@@florianahmetaj4743 No, that's actually their last name. It's a rather common last name in Italy.

[@florianahmetaj4743]

@@cmdvalle Albanese means „Albanian“ in italian. I think you are smart enough to do the math now.

[@cistamakedonija8210]

Very common Italian last name, it used to be only for a small number of Italian-Albanians but now it’s got nothing to do with Albanians. Most Albanese probably around 95% have no Albanian heritage.

[@TL....]

@@cistamakedonija8210 josip tito is the best

[@Ater_Draco]

What an amazing history. Thank you for sharing. So sorry that you lost your grandfather during the pandemic, but I'm glad you and he had some wonderful times together🙏

[@kruelnoqs1128]

anyone else start crying with her, you can see the passion and dedication in the way she speaks! If I ever visit NY I will make sure I come to this store!

[@billybigballs9208]

No cry just fight FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT NOW LOVE GOD

[@angelophilippopoulos9678]

You are such a rare person. Blessed and beautiful You appreciated the hard work from your Grandfather . Blessing and success

[@jeno5347]

I respect people like her

[@alfredorainuzzo555]

What a fantastic and Iconic place, such legacy! Best to Miss Prezioso and her family!!!!

[@RobertoooMusic]

This is such a lovely video. Thank you for producing it. Wishing her and the shop every success!

[@denisec5248]

Beautiful story of an Italian families commitment to continuing the legacy & providing fresh meat. Way to go Jennifer. God Bless You.

[@randyschwaggins]

Interesting that her dad/mom or any siblings didn't want to carry on the family tradition...she has really stepped up for her ancestors and for the traditions of NYC...she deserves every success!❤

[@burner8959]

Wow. I'm just blown away and so touched by this woman. Jennifer you are a treasure inside and out. They say if you love what you do you'll never work another day in your life. I don't think Jennifer will. I think I have a piece of dirt in my eye.

[@jmason61]

Fascinating...I love how in today's world she's not all loud & "it's all about me"... actually her vibe is so mellow it's funny to think she's a butcher! PS if a local painting company sees this, get over there & fix up the exterior signs I bet the locals would love it

[@Khazandar]

Sure, if she can pay said painter.

[@bull419]

What a beautiful and talented woman.

[@davidcadena3815]

This is so awesome to see such a young woman continue on her family's legacy and tradition. You do not see many young people come into these professions but this young woman is truly an inspiration for her peers. God bless you and your family and may you continue on as long as your grandparents have done. I will definitely make it a point to go see this place in person when I go back to NYC!!

[@d8889]

At the end of this video I cherish even more than I used to do before family businesses and family legacy. Our modern western society would be a better place if we would keep in mind what these kind of things are worth. Let's not forget also that too many jobs we tend to look down on cause they require sacrifice and effort are actually the most noble and useful. A young lady running such an historical place deserves all the admiration for the courage and passion that such a profession requires. Local butcher shops have now almost disappeared in her ancestors' homeland, bringing on such a tradition makes her a person who has made her city a better and more beautiful place. I wish her all possible success from Italy 👍🥩