Brothers Marco and Tino Zeraschi are the owners of legendary Barrybados café, Marco’s. Originally from Bardi in the Parma province of Italy their grandparents moved to the Welsh Valleys in 1897, with father, Francesco, selling ice cream from a barrow and helping out in the Penrhiwceibr café owned by his parents. Marco tells us more…
ISLAND LIFE
The family moved to Barry in 1967 and has grown substantially to include Marco and his wife (and rock) Ruth; his three sons Gianni, Mauro and Nino; and their daughter Mariana - plus eight grandchildren and one more on the way. There are now three generations of the Zeraschi family working in their businesses across Barry Island. Marco, can you tell us about your businesses on the Island? Yes, our first business on the Island was the Piccolo Bar way back in 1958 serving the best burgers in town, and ice cream of course. In 1977 we opened the Rock Shop selling candy, candyfloss and confectionery - including sticks of Barry Island rock - Then we opened Bar Enzo; and our latest venture, Sofia Souvenirs.
“There are definite signs of a bright future for the Island.”
But, of course, the business we are most well-known for is the famous Gavin and Stacey centrepiece, Marco’s Cafe. That TV programme was by far the best thing to have happened to Barry Island - the Gavin and Stacey tours still call here and visitors come to take photos of Marco’s Café regularly. We’ve also had some other high profile celebrities here including the Prime Minister, David Cameron, and the First Minister who visited the café and enjoyed our ice creams and coffees. What changes have you seen over the years? Well it’s been a roller coaster journey over the years but there are definite signs of a bright future for the Island. Most of the traders have been here for many years and we’re like one big happy family. I’m sure I speak for us all when I say how great it is to have the fun fair back open, with a very heavy investment from the Danter family. 46
We know you’re a big supporter of charity events, can you tell us about some of these? My favourite event of the year is the visit to the Island by the Variety Club each September. All the local traders pull together to give these less fortunate children the best day of their lives; they enjoy the funfair rides, amusements, toys, food and drinks, all donated by our local traders - it’s certainly a special day for us all.
“I love spending time with my family.” Then there’s the Barry Festival of Transport in June with the Red Arrows display team and fireworks, the European food market, the annual Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swim - with bacon rolls and a hot cuppa for everyone. We’re always willing to help out in any way we can with charity and fundraising events on the Island.