Even though I’m yet to taste the mass-endorsed deliciousness of a Fitzies frog-in-a-pond, it feels like the cafe’s been there forever, which, if you’re under the age of 46, it has.

Watching the tributes flow in online, it sank in how much the cafe and its staff meant to people, and how a town’s identity can owe just as much to businesses as it can to people and places. 

The gravity of the situation was perhaps best summed up by an email from a work colleague which read “First Birchalls, then Townsend’s, now Fitzies. What’s next? I don’t want to live in this world anymore.”

Which is a pretty reasonable reaction when you consider the implications. 

Surely the same universe that allows Birchalls, Townsend’s Bakery and Fitzies to close up in the space of six months would allow a host of unspeakable atrocities.

Imagine the City Park Train being replaced by a cable car or the Perfect Potatoes Plus ladies packing up and moving to Hobart.

Is anyone safe from the giant-felling sword of 2017?

My undying love for Gourlays’ chocolate-coated chicos sure hopes so. 

RELATED: End of an era for Birchalls train 

Birchalls says farewell

Beloved bakery announces closure

But there’s something else going on here. 

I’ll be the first to admit that it’s pretty devastating to see the Birchalls train end up in a museum.

It’s even a bit tear-inducing to see the Fitzies neon sign auctioned off to presumably spend the remainder of its days illuminating a mancave or dame dungeon.

But it’s also pretty exciting to see what Launceston will come up with to fill their respective places. 

Since Birchalls left us 148 days ago (who’s counting?) Stories Bookshop and Gamesworld Plus have jumped in to help fill the void. 

The impending exit of Townsend’s and Fitzies will open up opportunities for new long-term businesses and force a host of Launcestonians to pledge their loyalty to a new bakery or eatery.

Our old favourites will be gone, but who knows what else is out there that just needs a vacant space in the mall to start something amazing?

Which is also kind of true for life in general. 

Sometimes you can’t take hold of something new until you’ve chosen, or been forced, to let go of something else. 

It’s also true that there’s heaps of stuff you love that doesn’t last for as long as you hoped it would, making it all the more important to make the most of time spent with your family or your friends.

Or pretending to browse the bestsellers when you’re really just watching a motorised train go back and forth atop a bookshelf. 

RELATED: Fitzies City Cafe’s Final Fling 

Photos of Fitzies City Cafe’s regular customers

So what’s the message to take away from all this?

Well, I didn’t really think of one when I started writing, but I guess for the sake of tradition it can be this.

If you have a Birchalls or a Fitzies you love, tell them before they close.

Give your barista a high-five when their coffee art is on point.

Compliment your bus driver when she does a brilliant park. 

Thank your retail customer service guy when he gives you honest fashion advice (I love you Darren from Myer).

I’m off to try a frog-in-a-pond while I still can.