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Published on December 23, 2024
End of an Era: Castro Valley Bids Farewell to Beloved Rudy's Donut House After Nearly 40 YearsSource: Google Street View

After nearly four decades of serving the Castro Valley community with fresh donuts and warm smiles, Rudy's Donut House has closed its doors for good. In a bittersweet farewell, the family-run shop saw a constant stream of loyal customers on their final day yesterday, as reported by KTVU. Despite the early 4 a.m. gathering of donut enthusiasts eager to get their hands on one last glazed or sprinkled treat, the donuts quickly sold out within three hours. It wasn't just about the food; the community came to celebrate the legacy and connections formed over the counter of this cherished establishment.

The owners, sisters Angela Ducato and Gina Alfaro, have been a part of Rudy's since their teenage years, working alongside their father, Rudy. "I just got emotional, she told me not to cry," Ducato conveyed her sentimentality to KTVU. After dedicating years of early mornings and hard work to the business, the pair expressed readiness to embark on a new chapter. 

Carl Satariano, a customer since childhood, shared his sentiments, reiterating the emotional impact Rudy's has imprinted on its patrons. "After wiping all the tears out of my eyes, we're going to find somewhere else to get coffee and maybe a donut, but this has been an icon and the girls have been working here for over 40 years," Satariano fondly told KTVU

On social media, Rudy's Donut House shared a succinct but heartfelt message, thanking their customers one final time: "Last weekend at Rudy's! Thank you all who have stopped by to say goodbye." This gesture, captured in their Facebook post, is a testament to the steadfast support and love the community has shown this venerable establishment throughout its almost forty-year presence. Though its doors are now shut, the memories and impact of Rudy's remain a testament to the sweet simplicities that often underscore a neighborhood's character and connect its people.