Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. visited American Shoe Service at 114-17 Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill on July 21, to commemorate the store’s place in the community and being officially inducted into the New York State’s Historic Business Registry.

Senator Addabbo recognized American Shoe Service as a pillar of neighborhood history and honored owner Augusto Cerrone for decades of service and commitment to the community by nominating the shoe repair business for the state’s official historical status.

Cerrone, born in 1951 in Sora, Italy, immigrated to the United States in 1966 and began working in repair shops in Queens after school. In September 1975, he found the opportunity at American Shoe Service, where he eventually took over operations on January 1, 1976—helping preserve the shop’s enduring presence in Richmond Hill.

The business is not limited to just shoes. Cerrone repairs luggage, handbags, jackets, and can create custom made leather goods. His customers are not only those who live in the New York area. People all over the world have shipped their special items to him for repair.  

Cerrone has trained many students from the Fashion Institute of Technology and has been a mentor to entrepreneurs who went on to build their own empires. American Shoe Service gained even more notoriety by being featured in films like “Men in Black III” and “Anchorman 2.”

“American Shoe Service represents the best of Richmond Hill—hard work, customer service, and a deep commitment to this community,” Addabbo said. “I’m proud to recognize Augusto Cerrone and the legacy of this historic business, which continues to serve neighbors event after five decades.”

For more on American Shoe Service, visit the Historic Business Registry listing.

https://parks.ny.gov/preservation/programs/business-registry