Cheese of the World, which has been in Forest Hills for more than 65 years, is closing at the end of the month (Photo: Cheese of the World/Instagram)
Jan. 12, 2023 By Christian Murray
Cheese of the World, which has been located in Forest Hills for more than 65 years, is closing.
Nellie Chiu, the owner of the 71-48 Austin St. store, made the announcement on Instagram Wednesday. She said the store, which sells more than 250 cheeses as well as cured meats and olive, will close at the end of January.
“It’s been an incredible run and we are proud to have been part of Forest Hills history,” Chiu posted. “We will remain forever grateful for the support you’ve shown us. We wish you all the best and maybe we will see you soon!”
The announcement drew a flood of comments on a popular Forest Hills, Rego Park Facebook group.
“Sorry to hear this. It was always a favorite of mine in the neighborhood,” said one resident.
“I’m so sad to hear about this one. I love going to Cheese of the World,” another resident wrote.
The store has changed ownership over the years, with Chiu purchasing it in 2018.
Chiu told Culture Cheese Magazine in 2020 that she had been a prosecutor before taking over the store but decided to change careers when she saw it come up for sale.
She told the magazine that shortly after she acquired Cheese of the World, she expanded the quality and variety of cheeses and set up an online system for ordering and delivery.
Chiu, however, said she elected not to revamp the store.
“A lot of people have asked why I haven’t renovated the store,” Chiu told the publication, “[but] I love the mom-and-pop feel… We did a bit of a facelift, but most, if not all, of the cases and counters are older than the staff,” she told the publication.
Chiu was not immediately available for comment.
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