It's been two days since Epi Subs and Pizza on Main Street in Bangor announced they'd be closing their doors Saturday.

Since then, so many customers turned out to say good-bye, they realized today would have to be their final day.

"Ninety percent of it is the economy. My wife and I have both been in business before, between the two of us we've owned five businesses. This, by far has been the toughest."

It wasn't an easy decision to close, says Bob Honea. He's owned the nearly 20-year-old Epi's, and this entire building on Main Street, with his wife Alma since August.

"The customers are great, the staff is great, the food's great and it's just been fantastic. The last couple of days have been overwhelming," he says.

Since word got out, lots of customers have been coming in to say good-bye and wish Bob well, including Gibran Graham.

"Epi's has been a longtime favorite lunch spot for people that live downtown, work downtown. It's a sad day," Graham says.

They lined up for their favorites, like the signature Flatliner sub or a fresh-baked cookie. Tanya Dunton was hoping for one last whoopie pie.

"The staff is really nice. They make a good meal and it's affordable, the atmosphere is really nice as well. There's lots of people here every day, so I was really surprised," Dunton says.

"It's a hard time to take over a business, buy a business, so I'm sure they had part of the ongoing struggle we're all feeling," Graham says.

Bob says he wants to thank all their customers for their support and kind words. And, while he's sad to have to close the doors, he's hopeful something positive will happen here next.

"Everything's on the table. If someone would like to lease the building, we do have renters downstairs and we have eight thousand square feet up above for the restaurant," he says. "Or, what we'd really like, is for someone to pick up the torch. And take over Epi's."

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