THE new owners of a Rayleigh cafe have vowed to continue the legacy and “community feeling” created by for bosses who stepped down after 37 years. 

The Rayleigh Lanes Cafe has officially been taken over by Tia Hazell, 23, Jo Cross, 49, and Chris Maughan, 37, after it was announced Sheila Tillet would step down. 

Sheila, 74, had run the cafe for almost four decades and the announcement she would be stepping down sparked sadness among the community. 

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This is the first time the trio have run a cafe, and are preparing a launch event to take place on Saturday. 

Tia said: “We are very excited to take on this business.

“Our aim in the future is to be as successful as the previous owners, and continue the amazing legacy they have created.

“We hope to be the owners all the way into the distant future.

“We have seen the community and regular already, as well as meeting quite a few of them.

“So, we hope to continue that, get even more regulars in, and create very good friendships over time.

“Our opening day is on Saturday, which has only given us a few days to get everything ready, but we are determined to be open again for the community.”

The family business had been run by Sheila and her children, becoming a huge hit in the community. 

Despite the sadness surrounding their departure, Tia is confident the new owners will be able to continue the success. 

In the past few days, the café has undergone a minor revamp by the new owners, but the menu will remain the same.

Tia added: “We have spent the last few days getting ready.

“Giving the café a good deep clean ready for the opening day.

“We have also added some new décor, as well as new appliances, coffee machines and over.

“We are also hoping to start takeaways in the near future too.

“It is exciting times which we can’t wait to share it all with the community.”