WORCESTER, Mass. - Worcester's oldest meat market closed their doors for good this weekend.

Fairway Beef Co. ceased operations permanently at 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. Employees confirmed the closing with Spectrum News 1.

At 2:45 p.m., employees began turning off the lights in the display cases. About a dozen employees gathered behind the counters and register one last time.

The business was at the corner of Grafton and Temple Streets in the city's Canal District. It was opened up by Manny Sigel, an immigrant from Eastern Europe. The Sigel family still operated the shop with brothers George and Jack running things.

Employees told Spectrum News 1 the owners had sold the building and some employees only found out early Saturday afternoon the business was closing early. Employees were unaware what the future plans are the property. 

Last fall, the long-time Worcester business celebrated its 75th anniversary.