A FAMILY business in Dalton has closed its door this week after more than 100 years.

Keith and Hazel Phizacklea, the owners of A Brizzolari’s ice cream parlour and cafe on Market Street has closed for the last time on Thursday.

The cafe and Ice cream parlour was opened by Hazels grandparents Concetta and Angelo Brizzolari in 1908.

The couple had come over from Italy that same year.

110 years and two generations later, Keith and Hazel are closing the shop in order to enjoy retirement.

Looking back, couple reminisced about the many years they both spent in the cafe.

Hazel remembers growing up in the shop with her brother and sister, and she spoke fondly of meeting Keith for the first time in the American style cafe.

Keith would later start working at Brizzorlari’s in 1967, working for his father-in-law Joe Brizzolari.

He remembers making their own ice cream in the back alongside Mr Brizzolari, before the operation became to big and they bought a factory in Askam.

40 years later, the couple took over the shop in 2007 following the death of Mr Brizzolari, he was 89 years old.

Keith and Hazel have run the cafe together for the last nine years , but have decided to retire, calling time on the family business.

They’re sure they’ll still be kept busy though, spending time with their five grandchildren.

The couple enjoyed a lovely final day in the cafe on Thursday, surrounded by friends and long time regulars.

"It was a lovely day," said Hazel. "We want to thank everybody for their custom over the years.

"People have come in here as teenagers and still come in today in their 60s and 70s."

Members of the community have sent messages of thanks to the family.

Emily Taylor has lived in Dalton for 56 years, she remembers always finding her sons in Brizzolari’s. She also talked about the generosity of Joe Brizzolari, who would always give her the records out of the jukebox when he finished with them. "We will miss them," she said.