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Karl’s Sausage Kitchen & European Market will close after six decades in business
“This decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration, we believe it is the right time to close this chapter.”
Karl’s Sausage Kitchen & European Market, a beloved specialty grocery store in Peabody that opened in 1958, is closing this month after 67 years in business.
The store’s North Shore customers found out about the news of its shuttering after owners Anita and Bob Gokey posted their decision on Facebook.
“It is with a mixture of deep gratitude and heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Karl’s Sausage Kitchen after 67 unforgettable years,” the post read. “This decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration, we believe it is the right time to close this chapter.”
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Boston.com reached out to the owners for a statement on why they were closing, but didn’t hear back in time for publication. But The Boston Globe reported that the Gokeys, the married couple who took over Karl’s Sausage Kitchen in 2007, were “exhausted” and ready to move on.
“We tried to transition to someone else, but it’s a tough business environment,” Anita told the Globe. “We got an offer for the building, and it made sense to close.”
Karl Engel was the store’s original owner, who first opened the European market on Route 1 in Saugus. Under the Gokeys, the grocery store moved to Peabody.
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The space holds a deli, market, and at one point a cafe that has remained closed since the pandemic. Customers could find foods like fresh weisswurst and Emmental Swiss cheese in the deli, and French mustards and Swedish ginger snaps at the market.
The announcement of Karl’s closure was posted Tuesday and was met with hundreds of comments from residents and customers saddened by the news.
“To say you will be missed is an understatement. Thank you for providing years of delicious service,” one comment read.
“Growing up in Berlin was such a great experience for me, and to be able to enjoy some of the same quality foods from Karl’s was such a treasure. From all of the candy and sweets, to the delicious sausages, cheeses and hams in the deli case, it has been wonderful. Thank you so very much for sharing your gifts with my family,” another comment read.
Karl’s Sausage Kitchen’s last day open is Saturday, Jan. 18. The owners asked customers to come say goodbye with one last purchase of Haribo gummy candies.
“Though we are closing our doors, the memories and connections we’ve made will remain with us forever,” the Gokeys said on Facebook. “Thank you for 67 extraordinary years — it has truly been an honor to serve you.”
Tell us: Do you have a special memory of shopping at Karl’s Sausage Kitchen? What were some of your favorite items? Let us know what you’ll miss about the store. Share with us in the survey below or e-mail us at [email protected], and your response may appear in an upcoming Boston.com article.
What will you miss about Karl's Sausage Kitchen & European Market?
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