Valley Caterers in Franklin Square to close in August after 58-year run

Valley Caterers in Franklin Square will close next month after nearly six decades of being operated by the same family.

The company posted a message to its Instagram account last week that it would be closing up shop after 58 years. “We’ve had the honor of being part of your celebrations, milestones, and everyday moments, and for that, we are deeply grateful,” the post read.

“It’s happy-sad,” owner Steven Dawideit said in an interview. “It’s the end of an era for us. We’re very lucky to have been here this long. You’re sad you’re leaving, but it’s time to retire. I’m exhausted and need a break.”

The business was established by Dawideit’s father, Ziggy, in 1967, his son said. After a fire tore through the building in 1973, they retooled the shop — which originally sold a lot of raw chicken and meats — to focus on fried chicken and barbecue, with a special coleslaw recipe from Dawideit’s mother, Erica. They also sold soup, pies and other seasonal items.

Steven Dawideit now runs Valley Caterers with business partner Hank Martensen, who has been with Valley Caterers for 43 years and who shared Dawideit’s “happy-sad” sentiment. After several years of trying to sell the business, the two have decided to retire.

“It’s strange. It’s going to be an adjustment, but I’ve been wanting to retire. We’ve been trying to sell the business over the last couple of years,” said Martensen in an interview. “I’m going to miss the contact with the customers the most.”

The Valley Caterers building is listed for sale at $1.75 million and under contract, according to OneKey MLS. The listing agent could not be reached for comment Monday. Martensen declined to identify the potential buyer, the agreed-upon price or what kind of business would occupy the space.

Valley Caterers will remain open through Aug. 17.

Martensen said he is focused on enjoying his retirement, while Dawideit said he plans to move to Texas to be with family after Valley Caterers closes.

“I’d like to thank customers for all their years of coming in,” Dawideit said. “They all loved my dad. And I’m blessed that we had such a great relationship.”