Iconic Greenwich Village Butcher Shop Closing After 86 Years

GREENWICH VILLAGE, NY — After 86 years in Greenwich Village, Florence Prime Meat Market is expected to shutter at the end of March, reported Eater NY.

The butcher shop first opened in the neighborhood in 1936, serving up steaks, pork chops, chicken thighs, spare ribs, racks of lamb, and any other meat you might be able to think of.

Owner Benny Pizzuco told Eater NY that the store's lease is up at the end of the month and the combination of slowing sales in recent years and the pandemic added to the decision to close the business.

He is offering to sell the butcher's shop to his employees, but no agreement has been reached, Eater NY added.

Florence Prime Meat Market is located in a narrow storefront at 5 Jones Street, in between West 4th and Bleecker streets. Pizzuco has owned the business since 1995.

The description of the business on Google reads: "Sawdust covers the floor of this area-go to specializing in custom-cut aged meats since 1937."

The butcher's shop is old fashion, it does not have a website but there is an Instagram that was last updated on Christmas 2021.

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In 2013, former editor and chief of Bon Appetit Adam Rapoport called Florence Prime Meat Market his favorite place to get meat.

Pizzuco told Eater NY that if Florence Prime Meat Market does close up shop at the end of March, he will leave the 86-year-old equipment in the space for the next owners to hopefully use.

You can find out more on Eater's website.