THE much-loved owners of a popular fish and chip shop on Portland have wrapped up their time on the business and bid an emotional farewell after 20 years in charge.
Maria and Lee Dolphin, who have run Ray’s Chip Shop at Straits in Easton on Portland since 2001, have hung up their aprons to retire in another area of Dorset.
The couple have been bombarded with messages of support and well wishes as they marked their last day in charge yesterday (Thursday, July 15).
During their tenure, the couple - whose daughters Ali and Anneka also serving customers - have attracted praise from residents and tourists for providing food that is ‘always delicious’ as well as friendly staff and quality service.
Mrs Dolphin said: “Myself and my husband have been in the fish and chip trade over the years after doing it with our family. We previously ran a chip shop on Underhill.
“Looking back on our time, it’s been quite emotional and we didn’t expect such a big response from our customers.
“We remember the telephone box which is now removed after it caught on fire. We remember the ice on the road when customers were still trying to come up and get their fish and chips.
“But most importantly, the queues and queues of people. And of course, seeing people coming back.
“We love the chit chat, especially with older residents who tell us the history of Portland. It’s been lovely.
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“You do see the regular holidaymakers come back every year and recognise them year after year."
Mrs Dolphin revealed that they had made the decision to move on from the fish and chip due to retirement and Mr Dolphin’s health.
They are set to leave Portland, which they have called home for 22 years, and relocate to Sherborne.
Mrs Dolphin added: “We’re just going to take it easy. We’re going to move away to North Dorset but we will be back down in the area to see my daughter Ali and our grandchild who still live here."
Since the announcement of their departure, Mrs Dolphin has been given a bouquet of flowers, bottles of wine and cards.
But the shop has also experienced some of their busiest days in recent times, with many locals wanting to get their last taste of the couple's fish and chips.
"It’s been very emotional,” Mrs Dolphin said. “I didn’t expect such a big response back. It’s been lovely.”
Her daughter Ali said: “Facebook has gone absolutely crazy with messages from people.
“We have had people come in this week to get their last fish and chips from us. I shared the news on Facebook and they didn’t stop coming in.
“I couldn’t believe it!”
Ray's Chip Shop was reopening under new management today.
An emotional Mrs Dolphin expressed her thanks to customers over the years and wished the new owners "all the best".
She said: “I would like to say thank you to people for their custom and their support over the years. I also would like to thank the staff members we have had over the years.
“We wish our best wishes to the new owners.”
- Got a story to share or for me to investigate? Email me at michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk or tweet @JournoMikeT
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