After nearly 90 years in business, Sally's Fish Market closes in Newburgh - Times Herald-Record

For nearly 90 years, Sally's Fish Market on South Williams Street in Newburgh has been one of the county's most trusted sources of fresh seafood. 

It begun in 1932 when current owner Sal Aulogia's grandfather, Salvatore, emigrated from Italy to Newburgh and began peddling fish. He opened up the shop, and it became a family affair. 

"Like everybody else who came over (to America), he worked his tail off," Aulogia said of his late grandfather. "He worked hard to establish a fantastic business." 

Now, Aulogia and his family are saying goodbye to the business after 89 years; Aulogia is retiring and they are selling the building.  

He grew up around the family business in Newburgh, with his grandfather, father (also named Salvatore) and his uncle Dominic all part of the shop over the years. When he was just five years old, Aulogia began his stint at Sally's, putting boxes together for his grandfather in the back of the shop. 

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"My grandfather put me in charge of making boxes and paid me a penny a box," Aulogia said with a laugh. 

It was 1978 when Aulogia jumped into the family business full time, right out of college. He would make overnight runs to the Fulton Fish Market in lower Manhattan, hand-selecting products like fresh fish, clams and shrimp to sell at the shop. 

Fulton Fish Market is one of New York's earliest open-air fish markets. When the market moved to Hunt's Point in the Bronx in 2005, Aulogia continued traveling to ensure his customers had the best products. 

Aulogia's favorite part about having the business were the customers. 

"We had a beautiful customer base," Aulogia said. "We've seen generation to generation come into the store. You really get to know people and their families." 

Aulogia also loved interacting with the community at various catering events, from clam bake fundraisers to weddings and holiday celebrations. 

"Every holiday we spent together working was such a symbol to the strength of family," Aulogia said. "My father is 93 years old now, and we're taking care of him and having a great time."

In retirement, Aulogia hopes to spend some time traveling with his wife, Cheryl. He's also looking forward to having time away from work to enjoy the holiday season. 

While it's not clear what the building will be in the future, Aulogia said it won't be vacant for long.

"Right now, I have a lot of people interested," Aulogia said. "We have six interested parties. We have a few possibilities as a fish market, another is a full-scale butcher shop and another is a flower depot."

Whatever the shop becomes, Aulogia is happy that businesses are looking into the prospects of coming into the City of Newburgh. Lately, new restaurants and businesses have the city bustling — just like it was back in 1932. 

"Newburgh is thriving right now," Aulogia said. "There's always hope for Newburgh; that's one thing we've always believed in."

Kristen Warfield is the food and business reporter for the Times Herald-Record. Find my stories here. Reach me at kwarfield@gannett.com.

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