Oxford native Jon Vallee and his wife, Michele, are following their passion for pastry and expanding offerings at Lighthouse Rum Cakes, their three-year-old business.
On Monday the Milford couple marked the first anniversary of their storefront in downtown Shelton and rolled out a new menu item — crepes.
They sell freshly made breakfast and sweet crepes. Jon Vallee said he may eventually add lunch crepes to the menu.
Prior to opening at 480 Howe Ave. last year, the couple rented commercial kitchen space in Milford and in Oxford.
Click here for the business’ website. Click here for its Facebook page.
The Vallees said their expansion involves a “fast-casual restaurant” concept. The shop is mostly a to-go business; there is limited seating in the shop’s window-seat area.
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell thanked the Vallees for their confidence in downtown Shelton.
He congratulated them for following their dream.
“Despite your professional backgrounds in life you have to pursue your passion,” Purcell said.
The Vallees have diverse backgrounds: Jon, an engineer, works in the aerospace industry and Michele is a nurse practitioner by profession.
Neither of them has formal pastry training. But, Michele Vallee said, “We have a lot of family recipes and a passion for baking.”
They make gourmet rum cakes, made with natural ingredients and a blend of spiced rums. They also sell cookies and caramel corn.
They have hired a professional pastry chef, Bridgeport resident Jelissa Gonzalez, and Monday was her first day on the job. She was busy in the kitchen creating crepes of all descriptions for folks on hand for the anniversary celebration.
Mayor Mark Lauretti said the city needs to empower entrepreneurs and he’s focused on supporting small business.
He asked the Vallees if they were interested in participating in the Shelton Farmer’s Market (on the corner of Canal and Cornell streets). Jon Vallee said as they continue to grow their business they will think about joining the market.
Lauretti wished them well.
“Wiffle Ball (based on Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton) went worldwide, and you can too,” he said.
Jon Vallee said after the closing in January of the nearby Stockbridge Gourmet Cheesecakes and Cafe on Howe Avenue they realized “it’s now or never” to expand their business.
Shelton Board of Aldermen President John Anglace also was on hand to congratulate the couple.
