Eric and Pat Iasonides are retiring after an incredible half-century career in the hospitality industry.
Since 1991, Baxandall's Cafe has been serving Kirkgate Market shoppers.
Eric, 80, and Pat, 73, worked six days a week until they finally called it quits yesterday (Saturday, December 28).
“This was one of the last old-fashioned '60s-style cafes,” his daughter Christina Georgalis told T&A as she watched customers leave the cafe in tears.
“They served thousands of people and employed dozens of people over the years.
“My father turned 80 last month. He spent decades behind the counter, running a successful business and serving his community.
“It's come to a natural end. My dad doesn't want it to stop. He loves it and thrives on it.
“At this point in their lives, they made the decision to stop and enjoy the sun.”
Like many Cypriots who came to Britain in the late 60s and 70s, Eric and Pat opened a cafe to make a living.
The Iasonides family originally started the business in 1974 at the Pantry Coffee House on John Street and expanded into the market in the early '90s.
This is the cafe where the homemade moussaka that most Bradford residents enjoy with gravy was first created, giving the Greek classic a Yorkshire twist.
Customer favorite meals include braised steak, cottage pie, steak pie, and roast dinners.
The cafe's breakfast sandwiches also became popular over the years.
The couple lives in Halifax and has a vacation home in Cyprus, where they will now split their time.
Christina added: “Uncle Paul and Aunt Mary used to run Fountains Coffee House (which closed early last year after 55 years).
“Today is a very sad and heartbreaking day for us. It's another day that has passed.
“On the plus side, they (Eric and Pat) will be able to spend more time with family and friends in Cyprus.
“It was a very emotional day.
“My mom and dad were very touched by the many words of congratulations and were very happy.”
“For many of our customers, generations of family members have been coming to Baxendals, and it has become a way of life for them,” said Stella Tsaikylides, Christina's sister.
“No wonder our loyal customers, many of whom have become firm friends, are saddened to see Baxendall's Café end.
“Cafés were a way of life for our family growing up. It took hard work and sacrifices, but it provided stability and a lot of work experience for my sister, brother, myself, and later our children. It instilled ethics” in all of us.
“Not many people can work six days a week for 50 years, weathering various crises, simultaneously maintaining high standards, and employing countless colleagues who have become like family.
“It takes sheer courage and determination to run a successful business.”
He added: “For two people who came from Cyprus in 1968 with two suitcases and overcame hurdles to work hard for everything they have, this is quite an amazing achievement.”
Darley Street Market
The cafe's closure comes as a number of traders prepare to move to the new Darley Street Market.
Built on the site of Marks and Spencer on Darley Street, the venue will eventually replace the city's two existing markets at Oastler and Kirkgate.
The market features three floors of food stalls and eateries, as well as public event space.
Bradford City Council said in September that the new market would be “ready to open in the spring”.
Kirkgate Shopping Center, home to Kirkgate Market, is due to be demolished within the next few years to make way for the City Village housing development.
