IT is the end of an era.
Institution the Uni Bakehouse's tenure has crumbled, much like the buttery, flaky crust of its treats which have served as a staple in the diet of Callaghan campus students and staff for more than a decade.
News the pie warmers will officially power down in November has sent shockwaves through the University of Newcastle (UON) community.
Communications and journalism student Samantha Malnick graduated in 2018, having come to Australia on exchange from New Jersey, America.
Ms Malnick lived on Edwards Hall, or 'Teds', and the bakehouse was where she got her first taste of the Aussie classics.
"I had a lot of Aussie friends, some of them found out that I didn't know what a meat pie or sausage roll was, so on our way to class they rushed me to the bakehouse to give me my first ever meat pie and sausage roll experience," she said.
"After that, I was in love and so intrigued to try all of their options, and it was so affordable too.
"It was definitely one of my favourite spots to stop for a snack to and from class, especially being a uni student abroad, to have a whole meal and drink combo for like $6, it was great."
The Uni Bakehouse has served delicious food at affordable prices from Level 1 of the Shortland Building for the last 15 years.
On behalf of the bakehouse team, Dea told the Newcastle Herald they have loved being part of the university's culture through all the good, crazy and stressful times.
"But, they say all good things must come to an end, and while we were a simple bakehouse, we were certainly good, never ordinary," she said.
"It is time to move on and we are very thankful that so many students and staff have taken with them some bakehouse love and goodness."
UON director of infrastructure and services Kevin McCarthy said the bakehouse has been a much-loved tenant.
"Uni Bakehouse has decided not to take up its lease option, as the proposed terms were not sustainable for the university and differed from those of other campus tenants," he said.
"Consequently, we have accepted its notice of non-renewal.
"We hope that staff and students will visit Uni Bakehouse over the coming weeks and wish them well in their future endeavours."
Instead, Level 1 of the Shortland Building will be dedicated to UON Students' Association activities, including the space occupied by the bakehouse.
Mr McCarthy said while the decision for the bakehouse to vacate the premises aligns with new plans for the space, it was not a direct result of the university's commitment.
Former UON student Jackson Langford said although he hasn't been to the bakehouse in more than a decade, he was shocked to hear it was closing.
"The bakehouse spinach and feta rolls were and are the stuff of legend," he said.
"If I remember correctly, you could get one roll or pie, a muffin and a flavoured milk for $5.
"As a skint student still working a fast food job at the time, this was an actual godsend."
Mr Langford said it was by far the best bang for your buck.
"On top of that, it was something that was universally loved, as evidenced by the sometimes hundred-people-deep queues there would be just to enter the bakehouse's sacred walls," he said.
"It felt like a cornerstone of the campus community, that and the dapper gentleman.
"No matter how varied or differing your on-campus experience was to the next person, it felt like almost every student had love for the bakehouse."
In a statement posted to Facebook, Uni Bakehouse said it has been an "honour" to serve customers at Callaghan campus for 15 years.
"The university has exciting new plans for our little retail shop so we need to bid you all a bittersweet farewell," it said.
"The bakehouse crew would like to thank all the amazing students and staff who have supported us since 2010."
The last trading day for Uni Bakehouse is November 1.
