The rise and fall of Valle’s Steak House: A New England legend remembered

NEWTON, MA – Here is a look back at a well-known restaurant chain that was once a popular eatery for many before its demise.

Valle’s Steak House was an East Coast restaurant chain from the 1930s into late 2000, including a spot at 465 William S. Canning Boulevard.

The chain was founded in 1933 by Italian immigrant Donald Valle in Portland, Maine. The business began as a 12-seat café. Valle quickly expanded the location into a full steakhouse known for generous portions of prime steaks, fresh lobster, and classic American fare served in dining rooms that could seat hundreds of guests.

At its peak in the 1970s, the chain operated more than 30 locations from Maine to Massachusetts to Rhode Island, and other states on the East Coast.

Valle’s earned a reputation for quality service despite serving many customers at a time, often hosting large events.

The chain began facing challenges after Donald Valle’s death in 1977, including heavy inheritance taxes, the 1970s energy crisis, rising labor costs, over-expansion, and shifting customer preferences. Most locations closed by the early 1990s, with the last restaurant shutting its doors in August 2000.

Today, Valle’s Steak House remains a fond memory for many New England residents, including Fall River.