Ray Alvarez, 90, founded Ray’s Candy Store in 1974. The deli is located in East Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States.

Alvarez was born Asghar Ghahraman in Iran. He moved to New York in 1964 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2011.

Ray’s Candy Store serves coffee, frozen yogurt, soft serve ice cream, egg creams and Belgian fries, among others. Two characters in one scene of the 1993 drama film “What About Me” approach the store and order milk shakes

The deli’s exterior was also featured in a scene in “Die Hard with a Vengeance“. The 1995 action thriller film stars Bruce Willis, Jeremy Irons and Samuel L. Jackson.

At around 3:00 a.m. on January 31, 2023, Alvarez was working the overnight shift at Ray’s Candy Store when he was approached outside the store by Luis Peroza, 39, of East Village. The latter had a package and asked the former if he wanted to buy it.

Wearing balaclava, Peroza allegedly entered the store, threatened to kill Alvarez and left. Later, Peroza returned with a belt with a heavy rock on the end, which he allegedly used to strike Alvarez in the head before fleeing the scene.

On February 3, 2023, Peroza was arrested and charged with assault in connection to the attack. On February 5, 2023, he was arraigned.

A judge set Peroza’s bail at $200,000 cash. The suspect’s next court date is scheduled for February 9, 2023.