SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley was on hand to help open the revamped Lower Barn Farm cafe, which is now being managed by his mum.
Nicola Foweraker is in charge of the cafe along London Road in Rayleigh which is open seven days a week.
And she also hopes success will be on the menu for the Shrimpers and her son this season.
“I’m extremely proud of Dan and all he has achieved and it’s great Wednesday night's game with Burton will be his 100th match for Southend United,” said Nicola.
“I only wish I could there to watch it but hopefully the team and him can do well in such a big game and he can come into the cafe to celebrate.
“He knows there will be homemade bread and butter pudding waiting for him prepared by our head chef but only after Dan has finished training of course!”
Bentley is more used to dealing with clean sheets than clean dishes but was delighted to be in attendance.
“What my mum has achieved with the cafe is great, I’m proud of her and how hard she has worked,” said the shot-stopper.
“It’s really nice in here and I hope as many people as possible come down to check it out, including a few Southend fans!”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here