British bakery chain shuts ALL its stores after being run by same family for 7 decades as ‘no one wants to take it over'
ANOTHER BITES THE CRUST British bakery chain shuts ALL its stores after being run by same family for 7 decades as 'no one wants to take it over'
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A BELOVED British bakery chain has been forced to shut all of its stores after seven decades.
The family-run business has announced the closure after failing to find someone to "take it over".
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Bennetts Family Bakers last locations closed on Saturday
Credit: Google
Bennetts Family Bakers closed all of its branches for good on Saturday.
Bennetts has built a strong local following thanks to its freshly baked bread, pastries, and traditional cakes.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
The bakery chain opened in 1951 and has been operated by three generations of the same family.
But Mrs Margaret Bennet and her son David explained that there was no one to continue the legacy.
David, the company's director, previously told the Daily Echo he was struggling to run the business while caring for his elderly mother, who is seriously ill.
He said: 'We've had an incredibly loyal customer base, and I'm truly thankful for the support we've had over the years.'
David, who is over the retirement age, also has to deal with personal health issues.
The family told Bournemouth Echo: "Our family-owned business had no choice Mrs Margaret Bennett is now in a home, and her son, David Bennett is over retirement age and has his own health problems, with no-one wanting to take over, or it being viable to keep going.
"It has been run by three generations of the family, opening in 1951."
The statement continued: "A big thank you to all our loyal staff and customers."
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ALL BRANCHES CLOSED NOW
The bakery's locations in Winton, Southbourne and Parkstone bid goodbye to the customers for the final time on July 5.
The closure follows the earlier loss of their Westbourne, Broadstone and Wimborne branches in June.
A heartfelt note taped to the Broadstone shop window explained the difficult decision.
'It is with great sadness that this shop will be closing on the 14th of June,' it read.
'It has been a pleasure serving the Broadstone community over the years.
'This has come about because of staff shortages and illness in the family.
'I would like to thank everybody for their support.'
COMMUNITY REACTION
Many in the community were saddened to hear the news.
One regular customer said: 'It's such a shame. You could always count on Bennetts for quality and friendly service. They'll be missed.'
Another added: 'It's a real blow for the high street.
"There aren't many proper family bakeries left these days.'
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