It was June of 2019 when Charles E. Fromage opened its doors at 5809 W. Vliet St. in Washington Heights. 

It took nearly two years for owners Honore and Tony Schiro to transform the tiny building, which formerly housed a print shop and L.A. Barber, into a food and beverage venue. But they successfully created a convivial space where friends and neighbors could gather, converse and enjoy live music, trivia and various other events.

But now, after six years, it's time for a change.

“On opening day, we said: we’d do this for five years,” recalls Honore. “We got through COVID and we did well. And now it’s time to move on to other things."

When it came time to consider what was next for the business, she says Sam Alioto came to mind. 

“He was our first employee, and he’s worked for us off and on over the years,” says Honore. “So we called him and told him what we were thinking.”

Sam says he didn't even have to think about his answer: it was an immediate "Yes." And his parents rallied around him with support.

“We see his passion and talent in food,” says Frank Alioto. “But few people have the money to go out on their own. We’re comfortably retired, so we thought we’d help out. I’m proud that my kids are choosing to live in the city. Ultimately, we’re investing in keeping this great neighborhood spot alive.”

Rachelle Alioto, who will handle marketing and finances for Charles E. Fromage, says that the pursuit is a family affair. “Sam’s experience in the food industry makes this the next logical step. But we'll help out. And our daughter Ally might even help out with bartending and events.”

A seamless transition

Sam says that he loves the concept behind Charles E. Fromage and is excited about taking it over and adding some things to the menu.  But overall, the family agrees the goal is to make the ownership transition as seamless as possible.

“I have so many ideas,” says Sam. “But for right now I’d like to keep most of the menu the same. What Tony and Honore have created works.”

Moving forward, he says he’ll likely add snacks and specials and potentially add to the wine and beverage list. “In the future, I’d also like to open earlier in the day to offer breakfast – or maybe lunch items,” he says.

“But Fromage is the big word here,” Sam says with a smile. “I definitely want to lean more into that concept. I had quite a bit of experience working with local Wisconsin cheeses at Graze and I’d like to bring that experience to the table."

Frank notes that the Charles E. Fromage programming, including trivial nights, music on the deck and featuring rotating local art on the walls will also remain the same.

“Everything is local and neighborhood-based," he says. "And we love the idea of keeping it that way.”

As Tony and Honore listen to Sam and his family talk about plans for the business, you can see they’re pleased with the decision they’ve made.

“We started this from the heart and we’re so happy to be able to hand it over to someone we know will carry it on,” says Honore, who says she looks forward to publishing a play that she’s written, as well as doing more writing. Tony says he’ll pursue art and various home restoration projects. 

Guests are invited to celebrate the transition at the Charles E. Fromage 6th Anniversary Party on Friday, June 13, beginning at 4 p.m.

Tony and Honore will remain available on a consultancy basis to guide the Aliotos through the transition. They will also assist with the execution of the 4th Annual Bastille Day West on July 11.