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A simple “good night everyone, good morning!!” In a Facebook post, the Chimento family said the lights at Alcamo Market were turned off for the last time on Nov. 23.
Known for mouth-watering sub sandwiches, grocers and Italian desserts, Alcamo’s has been a must-stop in East Dearborn since 1972. Giovanni Chimento opened the store in 1952 before moving it to 4423 Shaffer on Fort Street in Detroit. He died in 2018.
As Chimento’s daughter Emily wrote in another article in an exclusive final interview with the Press and Guide, it’s time to “slow life down.”
“It was great. A lot of fun years here, but we all decided, you know, I’d like to spend some time with my family,” she said. “I think it’s time to take a breather and enjoy what we’ve created and sit back and take things in and enjoy family as much as we can.
The store was officially closed the day before Thanksgiving, but reopened a few days before Christmas for anyone looking to buy shop supplies and other equipment. The family recipe is not for sale.
Tucked away in an unassuming brick storefront off Michigan Avenue, Alcamo offers a taste of the Old Country without a passport. The store sells homemade lasagna, sausages and arancini, while well-known brands such as Barilla, Cento and Lidia Bastianich fill the shelves.
Alcamo features a large selection of wine and olive oil, as well as chilled and frozen food, an olive bar, coffee and tea, and other food items. Visitors from all over the country stocked up on holiday gatherings or to satisfy their daily needs at one of the markets.
Without a doubt, customers have had a decades-long love affair with the Alcamo deli counter. Spanning the north wall of the shop, eye candy includes imported cheeses, salads, steaks, chops and prepared foods. This is where Alcamo’s legendary sub sandwiches are piled high on soft breads made with select deli meats and cheeses.
While Alcamo’s closing was a sad occasion for its fans, it was also a time to celebrate the longevity and achievements of the Chimento family. Many of them outgrew customers, flooding the store in its final days with memories, hugs and buying one last sandwich or pound of sausage.
Chimento and her family miss the customer interaction, but not the 14-hour workdays. She is looking forward to traveling with her daughter, singer Anissa Lea, another familiar face to Alcamo customers.
“I think more than anything, we worked as a family, but it was a team,” Leah said. “And we all worked together because we loved what we did and we loved it every time we were in this place.”
The next chapter in the Chimento family story is yet to be written, but one thing is certain; They don’t forget the past.
“We are definitely a destination for many customers, traditions, memories and generations, and I want to thank all the wonderful people who have shared their stories with us on Facebook,” said Chimento. “Please continue to post your stories on our Facebook page as the Facebook page will become part of history.”
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