In 1968, Valentino and Antonietta Mucciarelli purchased the property at 242 Pelham Road and opened a corner variety store. For the next four decades, they successfully served the community—first for 17 years as Connie’s Variety, then for 23 years under the Avondale Food Stores Ltd. banner.

After 40 successful years in business, the family made the difficult decision to step away from the industry in 2008 due to Valentino’s declining health. Sadly, Valentino passed away in 2013, just one month before his 65th birthday.

Fast-forward to November 2018, when a series of events—some might call it fate—motivated our family to return to the business that had been such an important part of our lives. We decided to open a new venture in Valentino’s honor.