There were plenty of moist eyes on Monday as customers and traders dropped in to say farewell.

For the Harrison family it's been their life and home in their heart of Warrnambool's business district for 21 years, but in the face of rising costs and declining patronage they made the ultimate decision at the weekend to close the doors.

"All of our kids have lived and worked here and for Rhonda and I we've been at the shop for about a third of our lives," Michael Harrison said.

"It's sad, but the decision took a weight off our shoulders.

"We hung on for as long as we could.

“For the first time in many years, I’ve enjoyed a full hour’s sleep. 

"Now we've got to go out and find a normal home and jobs.

"Yes there were challenges, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time. 

“We met so many great people.

"We are grateful for the many loyal customers and friendship with other traders.

"For some customers it was part of their daily routine to drop in for a coffee, a chat and a meal."

The Harrisons moved into the milkbar and its attached three-bedroom residence in March 1994 following a line of previous operators in the old building which dates back to 1867.

Rhonda had previously worked in the base hospital kitchen and Michael at the former Brierly psychiatric centre and Dino's pizza parlour.

It was a lifestyle change they stepped into with gusto - days and evenings were busy selling bread, milk, newspapers, takeaway meals and thousands of lollies to children.

Two years later they faced their first major challenge when national chains started seven-day-a-week trading - for the Harrisons and other milkbar operators that represented a big change in consumer habits.

Then arrival of McDonald's Restaurant at the northern end of Liebig Street about a decade ago also changed customer habits and prompted the Harrisons to add hamburgers and other hot food to the menu.

They also introduced internet terminals which attracted a steady stream of tourists and locals alike.

However, nothing could stop the ever-expanding list of challenges for a traditional milkbar.

"Nowadays young ones get their takeway food from drive-throughs," Rhonda said. 

Apart from looking for full-time employment Michael is continuing his 36-year association with sports administration and Rhonda is continuing her role running card tournaments.

And they will try to find opportunity to take a well-deserved holiday.

When the Harrisons started there were more than 20 milkbars across Warrnambool, now there are less than 10 remaining.