A man was stabbed to death in a Harlem bodega Friday morning, the NYPD said.

Police say a 46-year-old man entered the store on 145th Street near Malcolm X Boulevard Friday morning and threatened the employees, then left.

The man returned around 9 a.m. and tried to go behind the counter, according to police. Police say that's when the employee stabbed him several times.

The man was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Locals say the brothers that run the shop are anything but violent.

"They're very nice, very nice. You go in there, they treat you nice, they're respectful. No problem whatsoever," said one person in the area.

"They're good people. They're trying to serve the community, trying to make a living, and they don't bother anybody," said another.

Investigators are questioning the employee. No charges have been filed yet.

They say there were no signs of a robbery.

The investigation is ongoing.