Kash and Navjot Bhangal are looking forward to relaxing at home after three decades at the Wimpy on Billericay High Street.

Despite Wimpy closing, the site will remain a family affair as their son, Joe, takes over the building to run a Miss Millies chicken takeaway. Mr Bhangal, 70, said it will be a sad day when he shuts the doors for the last time.

Closing - Wimpy in Billericay High Street

He said: “We started the business from the very begin ning and are closing so I can retire, there’s been a lot of difference in the business and a lot of coming and going too.

“There’s also a lot of competition in the area now as well. Trade has been very down but it did pick up a bit over the last few months in the Covid lockdown with Just Eat and takea ways too.

“I am feeling a mixture of happiness and sadness over the closure of the business. “I am feeling happy as I know I cannot keep going forever but then also very sad to leave as it has been such a long time.

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“I know lots of customers and worked with lots of people when they were younger and then I worked with their children too.”

He admitted the family have become very well known in the area over the years and there has been an outpouring of sadness from loyal customers - with some even pleading for the pair to stay.

After three decades of nonstop work, the couple are planning to head abroad for a series of holidays to take it easy in retirement. Mr Bhangal said: “This restaurant is been a big part of my life for such a long time and I have lots of regular customers and friends that I shall miss.

“I think there will be quite a fear tears on our last day. “It’s going to be a lot of hard work getting it all ready to shut down and we will not have time for any sort of party.

“I have really enjoyed it and started working in catering at 24. “I want to thank all my loyal and regular customers over the years, I am so grateful to them and their support means so much.”

The restaurant will close on Saturday.