After close to 30 years of early starts and thousands of customers served, the owners of Howlong Country Bakery are moving on.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tanya and Glenn Bailey have sold the business they started in March 1993.
Ms Bailey said the eatery had been popular from the moment it opened.
"I don't want to brag, but it was a success straight away," she said with a laugh.
"The town just craved a bakery, they wanted something we could provide.
"They supported us 100 per cent from day one, which was fabulous."
The pair were only young when they opened.
Ms Bailey said they had wanted to run their own business and had "taken the plunge".
While tastes have changed and trends have come and gone, Ms Bailey said the business had stuck with what worked.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The bakery first operated from a smaller building, which is now Ray White, and moved to its current location in 1999.
The business employs 18 staff including Stephen Fyffe, who has taken over the ownership with his wife Catherine.
The bakery has provided jobs for dozens of people over the years.
Ms Bailey said there hadn't been much change at the eatery.
"We've been making the same products for 27 years," she said.
"We would give something a go and if it didn't work, we'd stop making it.
"We've continued with what works well for us.
"Twenty-seven years is a long time and it's time for us to have a rest and do some travelling, when we can."
It was the Baileys' last day on Sunday with the new owners starting on Monday.
Ms Bailey said the lead up to the change had been emotional.
"A few of our staff have been with us for 24, 22 and 21 years," she said.
"They're all part of our family, we call them our family.
"It's been a very emotional few weeks."
The bakery serves customers in store but also supplies business in Albury-Wodonga.
COVID-19 concerns have forced the business to become takeaway only, but customers have continued to support the bakery.
Ms Bailey said the pair were looking forward to what the future will bring.
"We're excited about the next stage of our lives," she said.
"I've never had to do it, but it's been either late starts or early starts for Glenn.
"It's either a night start or 3am in the morning start.
"It's hard work, but I think your body adjusts to it.
"We'd just like to wish Stephen and Catherine all the best with it."