A FAMILY-RUN Wimpy has closed its doors for the final time since it opened 30 years ago - leaving loyal customers saddened to see it go.
Kash and Navjot Bhangal have run the shop on Billericay High Street since 1991 but are now looking forward to relaxing with friends and family as they start their retirement.
Loyal customers who also became friends with the couple over the years flooded into the shop on its final day on Saturday, with gesture gifts and words of thanks to the family who had served the community for three decades.
Kash Bhangal, 70, said: "Maybe I will cry later when we shut the shop.
"We have been here 30 years. I'm happy and sad - happy I'm retiring but the sadness is leaving this place after so many years.
"We have had a lot of phone calls from people wishing us luck.
"Many people have said they don't want us to go but we can't carry on forever."
The shop had been inundated with customers desperate to get their last wimpy in the days leading up to its closure.
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On Friday evening, the store had run out of food completely - leaving Kash to dash to another store to get extra stock.
Kash added: "It's amazing to have so much support. We have had so many people coming."
Mrs Morgan, 81, has been going into Wimpy almost every day for the last 12 years for a latte and a chat with the couple.
Mrs Morgan said: "I love the owners. They have looked after me. I will miss it a lot.
"There's a real community feeling in here.
"We're going to miss it but they've got to retire at some point."
Stephen Hatton, 65, gave Kash and his wife a farewell present.
Stephen said: "I go in there most weeks more for the people that are serving.They're wonderful people. I'm not the only to get them a gesture present.
"They will be missed by a lot of people."
James Rix, 32, said: "I think like most people I'm sad to see it go. I've come here today for one last Wimpy from this shop and to support the owners."
Although Wimpy is closing, the site will remain a family affair as their son, Joe, takes over the building to run a Miss Millies chicken takeaway.
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