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Aldo’s Coffee Co. in Greenport (Credit: Lee Meyer)

After 35 years as a Greenport mainstay, Aldo’s Coffee Co. at 103 Front Street has been listed for sale.

Visitors of Aldo’s are greeted by the aroma of fresh coffee beans being roasted as they enter the recently renovated building, which has a new counter space and outdoor seating adjacent to Mitchell Park and the carousel.

The gourmet coffee shop, founded and owned by Aldo Maiorana, is known for its bold, unique coffee beans, and French pastries like pain au chocolat, scones and biscotti. Maiorana, a North Fork resident since 1978, felt it was time to sell.

“I’ve been in this building since July 1987,” Maiorana reflected. “I work every day and I’ve had a couple medical challenges.”

But Maiorana is being modest.

A quintuple bypass, aneurysm, hernias, bad knees and a stroke in 2019 have not slowed down the 73-year-old business owner and coffee expert. But he is, understandably, getting tired.

“So, every day, standing, roasting coffee for six hours, then driving…I cannot do it anymore. It’s time to let go,” he said. “The stroke happened right here, while I was moving a coffee sack. I cannot die standing up. But I’m not desperate. I’m not looking for a buyer tomorrow.”

Maiorana also cites industrywide staffing issues and the effect of pandemic restrictions as reasons he’s ready to move on.

“And if a potential buyer would like me to participate in some ways, I can do that,” he said. “I live here in Southold and I’ve been here 44 years. I’m not running away.”

Listing agent Jill Dunbar of Douglas Elliman Real Estate is “thrilled” to represent such an iconic property.

“It’s a great honor,” Dunbar said. “One of the most important things that I can do is reflect that there is a certain thing that wants to happen here that means so much to the North Fork. My goal is to treat it respectfully and beautifully and also try to find the right person, someone who suits his niche.”

Aside from “the magic that Aldo dispenses every day,” Dunbar said the most valuable aspect of the property is the location in the heart of Greenport’s commercial district, as well as the custom, European coffee machinery. 

The property is currently listed for $4.5 million. Maiorana is being discerning about potential buyers.

“It’s not going to go to just anyone,” he said. “Money talks, but sometimes money is not enough. I want it to go to someone who has passion for food, somebody hospitable.”

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