‘I’m furious’ say sausage roll fans as favourite bakery chain with 2,000 locations suddenly closes ‘amazing’ branch

SHOPPERS have been left gutted after a favourite bakery chain closed one of its branches for good.

Greggs has more than 2,000 branches across the UK and has become a high street staple.

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The bakery chain was founded more than 80 years ago in Newcastle.

But now, Greggs closed its store in London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, on Saturday, February 24.

A sign appeared in the window which said: “Sorry, we’re closing on Saturday, February 24.

“Your nearest shop is Unit 3, Fircroft Way, Edenbridge TN8 6EL.”

Shoppers have taken to social media to share their sadness over the decision to close the shop, that some have described as “excellent”.

Writing on Google reviews, one shopper wrote: “Amazing customer service.

“Always smiling and take time to make conversation with every customer and a good selection of food in mornings.”

One Facebook user said: “What a shame. I liked their iced Belgium buns with a cherry on top.”

Another wrote: “I’m furious and so is my wife!”

A third cried: “Come on East Grinstead get a grip!! This Town could be a great shopping experience.”

While a fourth said: “Nothing left in our town.”

Greggs said that it has relocated staff from the East Grinstead branch where possible.

It comes after Greggs closed its branch in Whitley Street, Reading, for last time onSaturday, February 10,

Last August, Greggs revealed it had shut 44 shops in the first half of the year, but had opened 94 branches over the same time frame including three outlet stores.

While the high street has generally struggled since the pandemic with huge numbers of store closures, Greggs has continued to expand rapidly.

Greggs opened several new stores last year including a drive-through and an outlet shop.

Greggs opened a record 186 new stores in 2022 and it now operates at more than 2,300 locations.

What is happening to the hospitality industry?

Several restaurant chains and retailers have been struggling to get by over the past few years.

Energy costs have risen and more shoppers than ever are choosing to order online rather than head into stores.

This has left some brands grappling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

Papa John’s has confirmed eight UK branches closed last month until new ownership could be found.

Taco Bell which hasn’t been on the scene long pulled down the shutters on a drive-thru restaurant in Aberdeen.

Hostmore, the owner of restaurant chain TGI Fridays and 63rd+1st has said that it will no longer open any new restaurants until at least 2025, after confirming a drop in earnings.

Costa Coffee confirmed it shut two cafes last month.

Italian dining chain Prezzo revealed plans to shut 46 restaurants in April 2023 due to soaring energy and food costs, putting 810 jobs at risk.

Even Wetherspoon has struggled to brace the storm with 40 pubs closing down last and as many as 20 preparing to shut this year.

In other news, Greggs fans going wild for ‘gorgeous’ sweet treats back on the menu after a year missing.

The Newcastle-based chain has brought back two cinnamon drinks last seen in March 2023.

Fans can snap up the returning 124-calorie cinnamon flat white from £2.50 nationwide.

That’s not all, as Greggs is also trialling new and improved recipes on selected chicken burgers and wraps.

But foodies will only be able to pick them up at ten branches in the northeast.

The 10 shops that are trialling the new and improved chicken burgers and wraps are:

1. Gateshead
2. Longbenton
3. Washington
4. Newcastle
5. Sunderland
6. Washington
7. Bowburn
8. Horden
9. Blaydon
10. Greggs at Primark Northumberland Street

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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk