‘It’s been the best part of my life’ says owner of ‘best’ sandwich shop as it shuts after 51 years
THE ‘best’ sandwich shop has shut its doors after serving customers for 51 years.
The owner called it “the best part” of her life as the rising costs drove the place to closure.
The takeaway spot in Harrogate has proudly sold sandwiches since 1972.
The Bread Bin on Skipton road was a bustling little shop with people queuing for hours just to taste the famous sandwiches.
It came as a huge shock to the locals when the busy store announced it will be closing forever in February.
The exact date hasn’t been confirmed yet but the owner revealed “rising costs” have contributed to the downfall of the small business.
Jude Gray – current owner- took over the family-led shop in the 1990s.
She said: “Obviously, the industry is just not in great shape.
“Overheads are mental, and the price of gas and electric has gone crazy.
“Also, my mum, who still works in the shop, just turned 73. We kind of just knew it was the right time with that combined with the rising costs.”
The shop is loved by many for its hot and cold sandwiches but it also sells jacket potatoes, drinks and sweet treats.
Jude added that Brexit and the effect it’s done on suppliers have had its play in the shop’s financial struggle.
She said: “I know it’s not going to get any better. What was once a £5 product has gone up to something like £16.
“I think we will be one of many in this situation.”
The regular customers were saddened to learn the news of the store’s closure, with many calling it “the best sandwich shop”.
They have flooded to the comments online to express how much they will “miss” the Bread Bin.
One person wrote: “There will be a lot of hungry workman round here. Always such a busy spot. How sad for all concerned.”
Another person added: This is such sad news. Jude & Lesley are so lovely and have used us for all their printing for many, many years.
“The knock on effect of these amazing small businesses closing is massive, all their suppliers including us have lost a lovely loyal customer too.
“The costs of running a small business are huge these days. Big loss for Harrogate.”
A third person said: “If a place as busy as that couldn’t stay open, then that just shows how messed up this country is.
” Such a shame. I got turned away a while back coz they were so busy, it was going to be over an hour wait.”
Many poured in to praise the shop’s “great customer service” and “best butties” in town.
With a rich history in the area, some locals had fond memories associated with the place.
Many of them shared how they used to work at the shop or pop in for snacks on the way to school during their childhood.
“It’s quite an unusual place and we have such a loyal customer base.
“Because it’s been around so long – we’ve got people who came in as children that now bring their children and even grandchildren,” Jude added.
One person has even revealed that working at the Bread Bin as a youngster inspired her to open her own van later in life.
She wrote: “Worked there for 8 years from the age of 13.
“I now have my own sandwich butty van (miss piggies)
“If it wasnt for Lesley Smith i wouldnt of done it.
“Sad times really is.”
After an outpouring of support from the loyal fan-base, the touched owner commented on Facebook what the shop meant for her.
Jude wrote: “It’s been the best part of my life, loved going to work every day and having a great time with all the customers and amazing staff we’ve worked with and made friends with.”
What stores are closing in February 2024?
MAJOR shops and chains are closing dozens of branches this month in a blow to shoppers.
- Boots is closing its branch in Clifton, York on February 17.
- Lidl confirmed its Thornaby store in Stockton-on-Tees will be closing on February 29.
- WHSmith is set to pull down the shutters on its shop in Union Street, Aberdeen city centre on February 17.
- Chain Reaction, an outdoor sports store, will be pulling down the shutters for the final time in February.
- Aldi on Halbeath Road, Dunfermline plans to shut its doors on Sunday, February 18 to allow renovations to take place.
- Jack Wills is gearing up to pull down the shutters on its branch in Worcester city centre in February.
- Matalan in The Core Shopping Centre on The Headrow will close on February 24.
- Age UK will close the doors of its Furniture and More store in Dereham’s Yaxham Road for good in February.
This comes not long after another legendary shop has abruptly closed after just under 40 years, leaving fans devastated.
The Beigel Shop in London‘s Brick Lane has shut its doors suddenly this week, leading many to speculate if it will reopen.
The iconic store, famed for its salt beef bagels with gherkins and mustard and 24/7 opening hours, has garnered a cult following on TikTok over the past year.
Foodies travel far and wide to try its offering and compare it to local competitors.
It claims to be one of the oldest in London, after opening as a family-run business in 1855 and before moving to its current location in 1987.
Why are retailers closing stores?
Retailers have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
The high street has seen a whole raft of closures over the past year and more are on their way.
Sales volumes dipped by 3.2% in December, data from the Office for National Statistics suggests, down from a rise of 1.4% a month before.
Recent figures from the Centre for Retail Research reveal over 10,000 shops closed for the last time in 2023, and almost 120,000 jobs were lost across the sector.
That said, the figures are lower than they have been in recent years, with over 150,000 retail jobs lost in 2022.