Tienen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The ‘fries queen’ Lydia (73) will end 43 years of operation at her Tienen chip shop. Among her popular offerings was the Gilleke, which combined fries served with three Bicky sauces satay spices and Bicky onions.
After 43 years running the ‘Fries Queen’ claim to fame, Lydia now, it’s time for her to retire (age 73) from her Tienen chip shop. The Gilleke snack has become Lydia’s trademark creation since she opened her shop some forty-three years ago. She now plans to retire. She declared that she needed to unwind while maintaining that working at the fryer brought her both fulfilment and enthusiasm during these years. The shop will conclude its fry service at the end of March, which signifies the completion of four decades of service for her dedicated client base.
But now, 43 years later, the chip shop is finally closing its doors. A long career without holidays, but that didn’t bother her, she says. But the hard work is now starting to take its toll.
It’s really time to take it easy,
she says.
And I say that with a heavy heart. But of course, my health comes first.
The rules that often change, digitalisation, and the necessary investments are also gradually taking their toll, which is why Lydia has now made the decision: the last fries will go into the fat at the end of March.
I naturally hope to see all my customers again one or more times to have a fry and reminisce before the fryer is finally switched off,
she says.
Lydia feels happy about her extensive work history despite encountering difficult times during her professional path. The year 2019 brought her a heart attack followed by medical procedures, which made her rehabilitation difficult. After that experience, she resumed her position at the fryers. The next year, the coronavirus crisis brought about a severe decrease in her customer base.
That also meant that social contact was lost, just one of the reasons why I love being a chip shop owner so much,
she says.
And burglars also found their way to the chip shop: in 2023, they smashed a window and made off with the contents of the cash register.
It was a career with ups and downs, but I always stood behind my fryer with a lot of pleasure, love and passion. And I will continue to do so until the last day. Then I will enjoy my well-deserved retirement,
he says.
Her customers are less happy with her decision but also show understanding.
It’s a shame, I would have liked to experience your 50th birthday, but health always comes first and we can kiss our hands that you were there for us for so many years to let us enjoy your delicious fries and Bicky’s,
she says on social media.
What is the history behind Lydia’s Chip shop in Tienen?
The Tienen establishment ‘Bij Lydia’ began its operations as a chip shop under Lydia’s husband 43 years ago. Five years after separating from her first husband, Lydia took over their Long Island establishment, thus developing a reputation for serving the ‘Gilleke’ combination of fries with three Bicky sauces and Bicky onions and satay spices that brought her local fame.
She worked diligently throughout multiple decades without taking any rest periods, which resulted in her being known as ‘Fries Queen’. The challenges of a heart attack in 2019, together with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and a burglary in 2023, did not tire Lydia down from pursuing her art.
People thoroughly embraced the shop because it provided both tasty fries and a welcoming environment. Lydia decided to leave behind her retail business when she turned 73 by shutting down her shop at the end of March. Her legacy endures as her devoted customers remember her, and the ‘Gilleke’ symbolises both her dedicated spirit and her ability to persevere.
