PEABODY — Owners Anita and Bob Gokey are closing their beloved Karl’s Sausage Kitchen and European Market by the end of the month.
Karl’s shared the sad news on Facebook, where community members posted disappointed reactions while also reflecting on the fond memories made during the shop’s 67-years of catering to residents seeking foods from European locales.
“This process unveiled itself very quickly,” the business said on Facebook. “We received an offer on the building in late November with the buyer needing to take possession in late winter. We did not want to make an announcement until we knew that the process and sale was going to be successful.”
The Gokey’s, who have owned the business since 2007, cited multiple supply chain issues. Among them were the headaches caused by having to rely on one meat supplier in Canada that was willing to comply with new Massachusetts regulations regarding farm animals.
As a result, Karl’s had “significant delays” over the holidays, which has led to a sparser supply of meats and cheeses. With the shop nearing its final days, all food, including their famous sausages, have been cleared out.
Many longtime fans of Karl’s took to the comments to share their heartfelt support for the store and its place in the community. Some reminisced on visiting the venue decades ago as children and shared their continued efforts to shop there as adults.
“We used to make an outing with an enjoyable lunch and then shopping,” Patty Baker said. “Walking in the shop always brought back memories of me being in Germany with my Oma.”
They will be open from this Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for anyone interested in their remaining kitchen items. Or stop by to just say one final goodbye to the giant juicy sausage sitting atop the Karl’s sign.
“To our loyal customers, thank you for your unwavering support, your smiles, and the stories you’ve shared with us,” the owners said. “Thank you for 67 extraordinary years—it has truly been an honor to serve you.”
