Family-owned Victorian  bakery, Ferguson Plarre’s Bakehouse, is bidding farewell to its Moonee Ponds franchisee, Marie Burrafato, after more than 25 years.

Marie, who took over the business with her husband, Sam, in the early 2000s, is retiring from the Moonee Ponds store.

The business, located on Puckle Street, is also Ferguson Plarre’s oldest, opening its doors in 1911. It also holds the title of the longest trading business on Puckle Street.

Marie, who will finish up at the store this month, said she would miss her team and regular customers, but she was also looking forward to retirement and a change of pace.

“I have loved working at Ferguson Plarre and will miss coming to the store every day, which has become like a second home to me,” she said.

“I have been lucky to meet so many incredible customers and colleagues over the past 25 years.”

The new store owners David and Audrey Camilleri said they were looking forward to taking over the reins from Marie.

“It’s an honour to take over the business from Marie, who has worked there for such a long time. I’m looking forward to meeting the regulars and getting to know the Moonee Ponds locals,” David said.

Ferguson Plarre chief executive officer Steve Plarre said he wanted to thank Marie for her dedication and commitment to the company for more than two decades.

“Twenty-five years is a very impressive stint. I’d like to thank Marie for her dedication and wish her all the best in her next chapter,” he said.

“We’ve been operating Moonee Ponds since 1911, and while the look of the store has changed since then, the handmade cakes, quality pies and pastries remain the same.

“We have proudly fed Melburnians for more than 110 years.

Image: Marie Burrafato at the Moonee Ponds store.