STAFF and customers joined together to mark half a century of service at a fast food restaurant.

The team and loyal visitors at Wimpy, in Eastwood Road, Rayleigh marked 50 years of operation.

There were balloons, cake and singing as part of the celebrations.

Ali Tunay, 30, manager of the restaurant, said it was business as usual with a twist, on Tuesday.

He said: “The event for the 50th birthday went really well.

“We had lots of people who came in and we had balloons out and cake.

“We had one couple who came in and said they had their first date at the restaurant.

“They told us they came in especially for the 50th celebrations. It is a community place and everyone brings their family and tells them about their memories of coming to the restaurant.

“A lot of people told us they used to come here after school as it was something different in the area and was here before McDonald’s.

“It was a big deal to have a Wimpy in Rayleigh.

“Customers have enjoyed great times here and now a new generation are going to have good experiences here as well.

“What has not changed is the quality of our customer service, food and experience.”

Mr Tunay said customers regularly compliment him and his team on the positive and happy restaurant atmosphere they create.

He said former staff members returned for the celebrations.

The restaurant boss said: “We had lots of gifts including bottles of champagne and also cards.

“We are going to be open later, until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, as customers were asking us to do.

“We’ve also had a hygiene inspection and been rated as five star.”

Newspaper archives revealed the original owners were Colin and Rita Donne of Sinatin Caterers Limited, who included art work from south Essex artists as part of the original decor.