End of era: sSs BBQ Barns Tamworth set to close after 27 years

"We've had people who've worked for us and then their children have worked for us. We've got people that came as children with their parents and now they come with their children.

"You see families that come here all the time; the ultra-ultra regulars.

"I guess you'd almost say they've become almost family as opposed to guests."

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February 29 is going to be tough day for Graham and Marlene Manvell, the day they leave behind sSs BBQ Barns Tamworth.

The paddock-to-plate BBQ restaurant, once judged NSW's best steak restaurant, is filled with memories for the couple.

But for the husband-and-wife business owners it's time to move on for shorter-hours, lower octane life.

"My wife has been doing front of house since she was 17 and now she's 57.

"She's really looking forward to winter with the log fire and locking the chooks up and that sort of stuff.

"And I really don't want to do it without her."

But despite taking a corporate job that will also involve training new cooks, the 44 year cooking veteran won't entirely give up chefing.

The boy from Tamworth is also a Olympic gold medalist, besting the cooking world three times in at the Culinary Olympics.

He will become an international judge for the World Association of Chefs in his newfound spare time.

As for the business, Graham Manvell said he wanted to give a new owner options. Their three acre property could be a developer's dream, he thinks - or alternatively another cook could set up their own themed restaurant.

"We think we've given it a hell of a run. Not many people run a restaurant for 27 years," he said.

"So we're happy for someone new and fresh and young with grandiose ideas to go forth."

There are currently no plans for the last day - it will be business as usual, though apparently bookings are rapidly running out.

The couple will continue to run local farms they own.

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