An "Incredibly busy" new bakery which has just opened its doors to customers has another new store on the way.
The ECHO previously reported how a Merseyside town "won't be the same" as a popular bakers closes its doors. Specialist craft bakers Ray’s was located on High Street in Prescot and has been a much-loved business in the town since 1924.
The business also has a successful shop on Allerton Road. However, earlier this month the business announced it would be closing and Chatwins would be taking over both premises.
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Having already opened their Allerton store, the Chatwins bakery said there has been "huge queues" of customers. And now, as the "incredibly busy" staff celebrate their success, work is also ongoing to open their Prescot store, which has been confirmed for later this year.
Area manager Craig Eastman said: "We have been overwhelmed by the response to our opening of the shop on Allerton Road, both in terms of the success of the shop with our new customers and also the warm welcome they've given Chatwins.
"We were very much aware of the responsibility in taking on the mantle of a local institution, and the Allerton Road community have been absolutely fantastic in the way they have received us.
"With customers queueing up for a taste of Chatwins we are currently recruiting for even more staff to help deliver the quality and service so far established by the team who joined us from Ray's, and whom the regular customers have been delighted to see back behind the counter."
With other stores across the UK, Chatwins has confirmed that the other Liverpool store, in Prescot, will be open in December. Craig added: "Having already been made to feel so welcome on Allerton Road we cannot wait to open our second shop this side of the water in Prescot, where we expect to be trading in early December."
With all remaining staff having been retained, Chatwins previously confirmed to the ECHO that there will "inevitably be change" including a new look and new products, but customers could still expect the "same warm welcome and friendly service".
But as a new chapter opens, many people continue to look back on their fond memories of the former Ray's bakery as one ECHO reader said: "Many a sausage roll and barmcake from there. Good luck Michelle" as another added: "I have a friend that travels all the way from Ireland for Mr Rays sausage rolls I'm one million percent devastated about this news."
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