AN emotional goodbye was said to one of Workington’s oldest businesses as Tognarelli’s has bid goodbye to the town after 120 years.
Brother and sister Angela Hawley (nee Tognarelli) and Martin Tognarelli announced last month that the popular shop would close after 120 years in the town.
Angela Hawley said the staff and family have been overwhelmed by the support shown from the people of the town since the closure was announced.
Speaking on Saturday, she said: “It’s been very emotional. We have had a fantastic week. We have been so overwhelmed by everybody’s good wishes and we have been part of Workington town centre for a very long time.
"We didn’t realise the impact that we have had on so many people.
“It’s been so, so humbling to see that people have so enjoyed having Toggie’s in the town.
“We have been overwhelmed. We have had so many well wishes, cards, chocolates, tips and flowers throughout the last week.”
Linda Murphy and Harry Sandelands from Seaton were regular customers at the shop over the years.
Speaking to the Times & Star on the final day, Linda said: “I feel quite sad. We came into town, we walked around the town and we came here, and we have just been saying what are we going to do. It’s a shame, an awful shame, but they are entitled to retirement.
“Unless we go on holiday, we call in every week, the food is good, it’s clean and you get different conversations.”
Harry said: “It’s the oldest building in the town, I can remember all Toggie’s shops in the town and their ice cream factory, they have been here as long as I have been here. I knew the family as well.
“We will miss the regulars that come in as well.”
The Robinson family were in the shop for its final day on what the family described as ‘an emotional’ one.
Neil Robinson said: “It’s quite emotional, the café has been here for years, there is people who come in here every week, some every day. There’s a lot of people taking pictures so it is quite emotional.”
Louise Robinson said: “I’m 50 so I have come in with my dad and family for years. It’s sad really. We have come for years, my dad has come for years, it’s just really sad.
"The atmosphere it’s always nice - everyone is always so nice!"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here