In 2018, Valente’s Italian Specialties opened in Haddonfield as a small market; with shelves of specialty items, cured meats hanging from the ceiling, and pre-made meals from family recipes. However, after opening a small sandwich shop inside the space to offer atypical products for Valente’s, an idea sparked. Now, Valente’s Cucina mixes “South Philly comfort food” with small Italian plates.

Owner Marcello De Feo is a first-generation Italian-American with roots in Abruzzo and Philadelphia. He’s been working in restaurants, Italian bakeries, and Italian specialty stores since age 11. “This is my passion,” he says. But the plan to transition Valente’s Italian Specialties into Valente’s Cucina is not new.