The owners of Footscray’s iconic Olympic Doughnuts this week announced the permanent closure of the much-loved shop.

The decision to close what is considered an institution in Melbourne’s west wasn’t taken lightly by the Tsiligiris family, but given owner Nick’s ongoing health issues, his daughter Gina Hasapis says it was the right call.

“This has been a difficult decision but Olympic Doughnuts was always about Nick, as it was an integral part of his life; it was ‘his’,” Gina told Neos Kosmos.

“The decision had been made long before Nick’s health issues that when it came time for Nick to hang up ‘his tongs’ so to speak, it would mean the end of an era. It’s Nick’s legacy and we wanted it to remain that way.”

The message about the closure was first shared through the local Maribyrnong Council before being picked up by major media outlets, and since, Gina says the support has been immense.

“The support of the public has been overwhelming, to say the least. I cannot put it into words; it really leaves us speechless,” Gina said.

“Many times we have taken solace in the support and love shown not only to Nick but to the family. We knew he was loved and respected but did anyone expect this? This means the world to us and more importantly, it is great that it is not only us, his family, who got to know the man he was, but his loyal customers.”

The shop, situated conveniently next to Footscray railway station, initially started out as a van back in the 1970s and was famed for its delicious house-made doughnuts filled with sweet strawberry jam.

The area soon became Nick’s home away from home, and his customers and friends were considered to be family.

“My parents, like every migrant, worked hard and dreamed of running their own business. But Olympic Doughnuts became more than a business to my parents, in particular to my father.
“My father loved people, particularly children, and he was always happy to have a laugh and chat,” Gina recalls.

“This is how Olympic Doughnuts became an integral part of the community and it is why his beloved community has given back such love and respect to my father.”

While commuters and local residents were hoping for Nick’s return, they had a few months to adjust to the business’ absence, having been closed since April 2016 when Nick became unwell. But it hasn’t made the news any easier to stomach, with hundreds taking to social media to express their sadness.

“I used to have them everyday as Nick gave me 1 donut free with 5 donuts. I am going to miss him and his delicious donuts,” said Deepika Loganathan on Facebook.

Karen Fixsen declared the “End of an era!!”, while Virginia Tachos recalled Nick as “A very good man, will be missed with his iconic doughnuts”.

That he will.