Rick’s Pies in Maryborough, Qld, has been open for 30 years and has become part of the local fabric. Now, with owners Suzanne and Rick Hart moving into a different stage in their lives, they are planning to close down the store and move to Dubbo to be closer to their family. While the couple said they were sad about the end of the Rick’s Pies era, they are also excited for their new beginning.

“[I’m] grateful for the support so many wonderful people in Maryborough have given the business, [but I’m] now excited to play grandma to my wonderful grandchildren,” Suzanne told The Fraser Coast Chronicle.

Opening as a fish and chip shop in 1993, Rick’s Pies quickly pivoted to selling pies after the arrival of a McDonald’s in Maryborough put a heavy dent in business. Over the course of their 30 years in business, the pie shop was able to brand itself a Maryborough institution.

As the news of the closure hit social media, the number of people sharing their memories of Rick’s Pies and sadness at it the news grew.

But for the couple, the decision to close down came after a difficult period.

“The last 12 months have been incredibly stressful for Suzanne and I,” Rick told The Fraser Chronicle.

He added that he found himself questioning the merit of continuing to run Rick’s Pies after he and Suzanne returned from a holiday earlier this year.

“I can’t explain the feeling,” he said.

“All I knew is that I did not want to be here anymore. I have been struggling with the decision for months and months now.”