RIDGEWOOD, Queens (PIX11) — A beloved butcher shop that’s been a staple in Ridgewood for more than seven decades is closing its doors for good due to what one co-owner says is skyrocketing rent.
The impact that Morscher’s Pork Store had on the neighborhood was evident Saturday as longtime customers stopped by, devastated at the news of its closing.
“To lose them because of the rents — and that’s just what’s going on around here,” said customer Carmen Santana. “People can’t live here anymore and now we won’t have anywhere to shop for good food.”
Santana has been a loyal customer of the shop for 40 years. She said the historic butcher shop has been cherished as part of the Ridgewood community since it first opened its doors back in the 50s.
“The quality of the meats is amazing,” Santana said. “It’s nothing like you’re going to get in a supermarket.”
Known for its high-quality meats and European-style specialties, the shop has been a cornerstone in the neighborhood for countless patrons — some who waited outside the store Saturday hoping to get their last cuts of smoked meats.
Herbert Morscher, one of three co-owners, said the decision to shutter did not come easy.
“It’s heart-wrenching,” said Morscher. “I never experienced anything like this.”
According to Morscher, fellow co-owner, Zigfried Strahl, is raising the rent so high that it would cripple the business.
“We tried to come to terms with Zigfried and he many times just walked out on us,” Morscher said. “He wants to give us a month-to-month lease. He’s more than tripling the rent.”
Generations of families have relied on the shop for their fine meats which has created a sense of nostalgia for longtime customers. Mateusz Sochacki has been a butcher at Morscher’s for two years and said he remembers frequenting the store as a kid.
“For it to close like this — there’s not going to be another butcher place like this so it’s sad but sometimes you just have to move on and cherish the memories you have,” said Sochacki.
As employees are set to lose their jobs, neighboring business owner Vanessa America of Tiny Arts Supply is starting a fundraiser to help the workers navigate financial strain.
“When I heard the news, I literally cried,” America said. “I cried and I knew I had to do something to help. They can eat a meal that’s made by products from Morscher’s and the money that we’re raising will go to the employees so that they can have some seed money.”PIX 11 reached out to landlord Zigfried Strahl inquiring about the rising rent at the shop but has not heard back. Morscher is planning on opening the store again next week, possibly Wednesday as he looks to get rid of the store’s entire inventory.
Article From:
pix11.com
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