Almost 14 years ago, Sissie and Pat Gray opened &uot;The Fare,&uot; a little restaurant on Pearl Street serving southern food to breakfast and lunchtime customers. The specials changed daily, but the staple ingredient remained the same, the Gray smile.

Much to the disappointment of its loyal customers, The Fare served its last meals Saturday. A week before the restaurant closing, word of mouth spread the news and customers stopped by to get one last meal and wish the couple luck. However, the departure is not easy for the Grays, says Sissie, &uot;its gonna be hard with all these wonderful people.&uot;

So what made their restaurant last as long as it did? According to Tim Hodge, it was the customers’ relationship to the Grays, &uot;we talk like we’re related to one another.&uot;

Sissie, never at a loss for words, could often be found sitting at a table with customers delivering advice on everything from health to finances. Pat, quieter than his mate, would chime in from time to time with a joke when conversations got serious.

But, as Sissie said, &uot;all good things must come to an end&uot; and the future is going to be all about &uot;seeing our children.&uot; This comes as no surprise to Fare patrons as the Grays are famously devoted to their four daughters, who each live in other towns with families of their own.

Many Natchezians will agree with regular customer Tim Sessions as he left the restaurant Friday saying, &uot;we’re gonna miss you.&uot;