A popular family-run café said a final goodbye to its customers after 40 years of serving the community.

Domenic’s Café in Vicarage Road, Watford, closed its doors for good on Saturday, January 28.

Frank Blasi, who has worked there for 25 years, told the Watford Observer: “It was so busy we didn’t get a chance to feel like we were shutting down.”

Watford Observer: Left: The family, left to right, Luisa Leacock, Nicky Blasi, Domenic Blasi, Rita Blasi, Frank Blasi. Right: A sign that now appears outside the shopLeft: The family, left to right, Luisa Leacock, Nicky Blasi, Domenic Blasi, Rita Blasi, Frank Blasi. Right: A sign that now appears outside the shop (Image: Frank Blasi/Newsquest)

The café has been extremely hectic in the last two weeks since it was announced it would be closing, said Mr Blasi.

He added: “The last football match was especially busy.

“And people were coming in on Saturday to say goodbye to my mum, dad and sisters.

“Some people came in on Friday because they thought it was the last day.

“When they realised it wasn’t, they came back on the Saturday as well.”

At the beginning of January, Mr Blasi told the Observer the family made the decision to “explore other avenues” and for his parents, who opened the restaurant in 1983, to relax.

Despite Saturday being as busy as ever there was a touch of sadness to the day.

He said: “It was lovely so many people came in.

“But we had to take a deep breath as it is also sad.”