Yolande Treves, co-founder of the iconic Sass’ Café, tragically passed away at the age of 78 in the Algarve, Portugal. Together with her husband Salvador, known as Sassa, Yolande established the renowned piano-bar restaurant in 1993, which has since become a cornerstone of Monaco’s vibrant nightlife. Their son, Samy, who manages the café, reflects on his mother’s enduring legacy.

Known affectionately as “Sassa” and “Yoyo,” the couple’s inseparable bond and passion helped create the mythos of Sass’ Café. Since Yolande’s passing, Salvador mourns his beloved wife, who had been battling illness for some time.

Yolande was born on July 11, 1946, in Albi and grew up in Nice. She initially ventured into the fashion industry, opening a boutique called Lady M on Boulevard d’Italie in Monaco with her first husband, Christian Moroni. They had a son, Jean-Christophe, before separating. Yolande later opened four more boutiques, including the Byba brand, on Avenue Princesse-Grace.

In 1973, Yolande met Salvador Treves, then manager of Tiffany’s nightclub, and they fell in love. They married on March 8, 1975, and had a son, Samuel, born on November 26, 1978. Yolande’s zest for life was evident as she danced in a nightclub the night before giving birth.

With the help of Michel Pastor, Salvador opened Sass’ Café at Place de l’Horloge in 1993. Yolande balanced her day job in the boutiques and supported the café at night. “She was a hard worker and hyperactive, always smiling and attentive to people,” recalls Samy, deeply saddened by his mother’s sudden loss. “She made sure everything went well for the customers and was loved by all.”

Yolande’s boutiques played a crucial role in financially supporting Sass’ Café during its early years. “The beginnings were complicated without social networks. Sass’ really found its footing around 1998,” Samy notes. Yolande sold her boutiques in the 2000s, allowing her to focus more on Sass’ Café before gradually stepping back in 2015 due to illness. “When she could, she always came to greet the customers.”

Featured image: Yolande Treves alongside Salvador Sass