The legendary Welsh seaside café that has closed after 98 years is a notable loss to the community in Porthcawl. Run by three generations of the Fulgoni family, the café has been a steadfast pillar in the town since its establishment in 1926. Over the years, it has served the community in various ways, from providing Christmas dinners to those in need to striving to keep prices affordable during challenging times.
The decision to close the café marks the end of an era for the family. Basil Fulgoni, who took over the business from his father Luigi, expressed that the increasing challenges in the hospitality industry, combined with a lack of successors within the family, led to the difficult choice to sell the property and step away from the business. After almost a century of operation, the café closed its doors for the final time on August 9, 2024.
Reflecting on the legacy of the café, Basil shared fond memories of Fulgoni’s journey, from selling ice cream on a horse-drawn cart to expanding to multiple locations in town. However, with changing times and the demand for round-the-clock commitment, maintaining the café became increasingly challenging. The decision to sell the building was seen as a necessary step to embrace a slower pace of life.
The community bid farewell to Fulgoni’s on its last day of operation, with customers and locals sharing their memories and expressing gratitude for the café’s longstanding presence. Despite the closure, the impact of Fulgoni’s on the community is sure to be remembered for years to come.