After nearly six decades in business, Valley Caterers in Franklin Square is saying goodbye next month.
The announcement was made Tuesday morning on social media. Owner Steven Dawideit called it one of those “happy sad moments in life.”
“It’s been an honor to serve this community for so long,” Dawideit told Greater Long Island. “Our customers have been so good to us for all these years and I can’t thank them enough.”
Valley Caterers has been a neighborhood staple since Dawideit’s father opened the shop in 1967 at 560 Franklin Ave. Known for its fried chicken, ribs, sandwiches and holiday menus, the spot also offers a wide variety of homemade pies, cakes and pastries.
“The community is sad,” said Dawideit. “But they are sympathetic.”
Dawideit said the decision wasn’t sudden. He and his business partner, Hank Martensen, had been considering retirement for a while and hoped to pass the baton to someone else.
“We tried for over a year to sell the business, but not too many people were interested,” he said. “The next best option was to sell the building, since we own that too. It sold, and someone else will be coming in after we leave.”
He added it’s too early to say what will be taking over the space.
Valley Caterers’ final day of business is Saturday, Aug. 17. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
