Ru’s Bubble Waffles, located on Leigh Road, has been a popular destination for families and residents, offering a delightful mix of bubble waffles, sundaes, ice cream, and drinks.
However, owner Ru Hudson, 27, has made the tough decision to shut down his small business due to rising costs.
The news has sparked sadness among the community, with many Echo readers taking to social media to express their feelings.
Bonnie Grieve commented: “What a shame. So sorry to see Ru’s go, such an amazing independent business with a lovely business owner.”
Georgia Leigh added: “What an incredible and inspirational young man you are.
“So proud of you Ru Ru.”
Rachel King reminisced and said: “When my boys were younger we loved an early evening visit to Ru’s for a bubble waffle.
Ru’s Bubble Waffles, located on Leigh Road (Image: Ru’s)
“Sorry to see further reality of our economy in another closure. All the best.”
Danielle Waite added: “No, we loved it here. Your waffles were amazing and such a nice little spot to come and have coffee and sit and watch the world go by.”
Danielle Hurley highlighted the need for government support for local businesses further, stating, “This is so sad, local independents should be protected to remain open.
“I would much rather our tax paying money support situations like this.”
Ru’s Bubble Waffles survived the hurdles of the Covid pandemic, but the new economic climate has made it even more difficult to run the day-to-day business.
However, Ru has enjoyed running his shop and put a lot of passion, heart and effort into it.
In an interview with the Echo earlier this week, Ru said: “I have always dreamed of having a little business.
“And I had a lot of experience in food and sort of gap in the market and thought, oh, OK, you know, there’s not an ice cream shop up along this way.
“Unfortunately, the high costs of products, the increase in rent and electric bills have become too high.
“It’s all just too high at the minute and so is the cost of living with everything else, which turns down businesses everywhere, including me.”