After 86 years of business, Sally’s Fish Market has served its last flounder. The store officially closed on Saturday, November 7.

“The last day, it was tearful,” owner Salvatore Aulogia said.

Aulogia, the main owner, has been with the store for the past 45 years. The business started with Aulogia’s grandfather back in 1932, passed on to his father and then to Sal ultimately. His uncle worked alongside him and his father until his passing. Three generations have run this local fish market in the City of Newburgh.

Aulogia made the ultimate decision to close to spend more time with his wife and family. He is also taking care of his father, who lives at home.

“Basically it was time,” Aulogia said. “The body just tells you it’s time to retire, enjoy life cause that’s what it’s all about.”

During the course of the pandemic, hundreds of businesses closed, and many were local mom and pop shops that became staples in the community. Sally’s Fish Market became a staple in the community and for Aulogia, while the business may no longer be operational, Aulogia is thankful for his loyal customer base for supporting him and his family all these years out on South William Street. Talking to customers and creating relationships across the generations will truly be missed

“The City of Newburgh has been very very good to me,” Aulogia said.

“We’re sad to see the business close,” Aulogia’s wife, Cheryl said. “Many, many people have wished us well.” Sal and Cheryl’s son, daughters and grandson have worked at the shop at various times in their lives. What people should know about Sally’s Fish Market, according to Cheryl, is “that they treated their customers like family.” The owners would know their customers by name and complete their orders with ease.

Sal is currently in the process of looking for another storefront business to take over the current space. Aulogia hopes that the new business will be an asset to the community, similar to what Sally’s was.

Sally’s first began their business on Washington Street and then made their way to the final destination on South William Street.

Ward Three Councilman Robert Sklarz said he and his daughter Cassie would visit family and friends on Christmas Eve morning, ultimately finishing at Sally’s. Each year Sklarz recalls the friendly greetings they received day in and day out and the high quality of service. Sklarz wishes the best for business going forward and says the business will be surely missed by the community.

“We brought hard work, we brought a good product, we had pride, not only into our store, but into the City of Newburgh itself and to our customers,” Aulogia said. “It was just a great joy.”