It was the end of an era last week as the aroma of sausage and sentiment filled the air outside Bari Pork Store for one final time.
After 37 years of serving the community with Italian meats, sandwiches and warm neighborly charm, the beloved shop at 6319 18th Ave. closed its doors on June 27, leaving behind a legacy that stirred tears, hugs and heartfelt tributes from family, friends, loyal customers and city leaders.
The bittersweet farewell began with a community ceremony hosted by state Sen. Stephen Chan, who presented co-owners Tony Turrigiano and George Firrantello with the New York State 2025 Empire Award — one of the Senate’s highest honors bestowed on small businesses that elevate their communities. Even as the applause rang out, the owners stood silently, visibly choked up, struggling to find words through emotion. In the end, it was their supporters who spoke for them, surrounding them with love, laughter and lasting memories.
“This store is as old as my children,” said Yvette Firrantello, George’s wife. “My daughter grew up here. This place is home.”
That daughter, Brianna, stood proudly with her fiancé, Roman Lakhotskiy, as generations of family and workers gathered — Christopher Inga, Tony’s grandson; longtime employees Javier Castillo, who worked there 14 years, and Nino Mannino, who spent more than 20 years behind the counter; and dozens of neighbors who treated the shop like an extension of their own kitchens.
The crowd included local residents, passersby and a strong showing of elected officials, including Assembly Member Lester Chang and mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, who joined Chan in honoring Bari’s and decrying the economic pressures — rising rents, inflation and shrinking foot traffic — that have forced too many mom-and-pop shops to shutter.
“Small businesses like Bari’s are the neighborhood,” Chan said. “They’re the heartbeat of our community, not just a place to buy food. They’re where we laugh, share stories, grow up and grow old.”
He said that George, Tony and their crew “worked like family, fed generations and never once let this place lose its soul.”
Sliwa offered his own animated tribute, recalling his youth working in Brooklyn butcher shops and learning the art of sausage from old-school butchers.
“You can’t put too much beef in the sausage!” he joked, drawing laughter. “More pork! That’s the way we did it. And that’s the way Bari’s did it — with passion, tradition and pride.”
Though it was a sad occasion, there was no shortage of smiles as regulars shared stories about their favorite sandwiches, soppressata and the unforgettable banter from behind the counter.
As one supporter said: “I always looked forward to going, grabbing a sandwich and joking around with the fellas — Tony, George, Nino and Javy. You guys are awesome. Now go on a long vacation. You deserve it.”
In closing, Chang quoted a favorite book: “Tough times never last, but tough people do.”
The store may be gone, but Bari’s spirit will remain etched into Brooklyn’s DNA.
As one neighbor put it best: “This isn’t goodbye. It’s thank you.”
