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Owner Bobby Aiello broke the news on Tuesday, Feb. 18. In a call with Daily Voice, he said he's simply "heartbroken."
"It was time — I wanted to make 100 years, but it wasn't feasible," Aiello said, citing the rising costs of produce and changing demographics as just some of the factors contributing to his Haledon Avenue shop's closure.
Up until this week, Aiello's Fruit Baskets was the longest-running business in town. His grandfather opened the shop in 1937, offering fruit centerpieces, fruit baskets, and floral arrangements. Aiello's father took over in 1960, and he was at the helm in 1960.
Aiello attributed both his and his father's success to relatives who helped out "at a moment's notice," including cousins, and friends who he considers family, and loyal employees and customers alike.
"Running and working Aiello's has been a way of life for me, one that I find very difficult to relinquish," Aiello said. "We had a good run, and I will cherish the lifetime of memories forever.
"So, as the sun sets on Aiello's Fruit Baskets for the last time, the final and most difficult farewell is to my loyal customers who I will also call friends. It’s been an honor to serve you all over the decades and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
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