As COVID-19 has forced restaurants, malls, barbershops, nail salons and schools to shutter throughout the city; some businesses on Arthur Ave. remain open. For New Yorkers who practice responsible social distancing and need to do their grocery shopping, Little Italy is welcoming customers and is home to many merchants who already provide takeaway, including bakeries, butchers, delis, pizzerias and specialty stores – in a neighborhood with plenty of open air and inventory.

Peter Madonia, chairman of the BID and owner of Madonia Bakery, 2348 Arthur Ave., spoke with the Bronx Times about how the area is a food resource for shopping and getting essentials. “Our sidewalks are like our aisles,” he said. “People have to eat, so they’re going to shop somewhere. It’s not like we have lines out the door.”