CHICAGO — In a surprising and emotional turn, the iconic Gale Street Inn in Jefferson Park has closed its doors permanently after more than six decades of serving Chicagoans. Known for its signature baby back ribs and family-friendly atmosphere, the restaurant closed Wednesday night — an hour before its posted time — without giving prior notice to customers.
Sudden Closure Leaves Locals in Shock
At 9:10 p.m. Wednesday, patrons arriving at the 4914 N. Milwaukee Ave. location found the doors locked, even though diners were still finishing their meals inside. It became clear that June 19 marked the end of the restaurant’s 61-year run.
“It’s not business, it’s staffing,” owner George Karzas told reporters on site. “I’m tired. It’s hard.”
Karzas later posted a heartfelt farewell on social media:
“With a sad but satisfied heart, we have closed our restaurant. Hiring and retaining quality staff has proven too tough for too long. To the city of Chicago, we loved operating in the greatest food town on the planet.”
From 1963 to Legacy Status
Founded in 1963, Gale Street Inn was first located across the street from its final site. George Karzas’ father purchased it in 1985, and George took over after his father passed in 1994. The restaurant survived decades of economic shifts, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a recent major remodel just last year.
But even with good business and loyal customers, staffing challenges — which have plagued many restaurants post-pandemic — finally forced Karzas’ hand.
Industry Pressure Taking a Toll
Illinois Restaurant Association executive director Sam Toia commented that the closure is part of a growing trend affecting local eateries.
Between July and December of 2024, when Chicago eliminated tip credits, 5,200 jobs were lost in the city’s restaurant industry, Toia said. He also noted added pressures from property tax hikes and immigration enforcement raids, which have made many restaurant workers stay home.
“To hear Gale Street Inn is closing after being in business for decades in Jefferson Park… is devastating,” Toia said. “If we keep mandating and raising property taxes on our independent restaurants throughout our 77 communities, we will see more iconic restaurants like Gale Street Inn closing.”
Community Reactions: Sadness, Shock, and Gratitude
Gale Street’s final Instagram post — featuring Bruce Cockburn’s “Last Night of the World” — prompted an emotional flood of comments:
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“Say it ain’t so.”
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“What’s going on?”
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“No! Please no.”
Regular customer Jim Wigoda, who would meet friends there after driving from Glencoe, said the news hit hard.
“It’s a Chicago institution. It’s too bad.”
What Comes Next For the Space and Legacy?
While there’s no word yet on what will happen to the restaurant’s physical space, many in the Jefferson Park community hope the legacy of Gale Street Inn will live on — whether through pop-ups, a cookbook, or perhaps a future revival.
Have memories of Gale Street Inn?
Share your thoughts and favorite moments from this neighborhood staple in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
