100-year-old Seaham cafe enters final days of trading before closing for the final time
A family-run business in Seaham is closing its doors to the public at the end of the month after 106 years in business.
Valente’s, in Church Street, Seaham, took to social media back in April to announce that it would be closing its doors for the final time on Saturday, August 29.
The cafe was founded in 1920 by Frank and Carmela Valente, who brought their home-made ice creams to Seaham when they opened a parlour in Viceroy Street.
The business has operated at two locations since then and was passed down to Frank and Carmela’s granddaughter, Sue Dugan, who runs the cafe today with her sister Maria Blain.
Sue said: "We’d like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Fifty-four years we’ve been here.”
Before Sue and Maria took over the reins at the cafe, it was run by their mum Vena Valente, who passed away in 2008, and their dad Billy Matthews.
The cafe will close its doors to the public for the final time on August 29, which also happens to be Sue’s birthday.
The team at Valente’s will not be selling breakfasts on Saturday to “allow Sue a bit more time to speak to people in between preparing orders”.
Sue and Maria took the decision to retire “after many years of hard work”, starting working in the business in their school days.
Sue said: "Over the years, things have changed – it’s like everywhere.
"We have thankfully been one of the fortunate ones.”