After 87 Years, Boston's Beloved Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe Closes

June 27, 2014

WBUR Newsroom

A line forms outside of the family run Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe will be closing this Saturday after being in business since 1929. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Just hours left to get your turkey hash.

After 87 years in business, Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe, a landmark restaurant in Boston's South End, is set to close Saturday. It had announced in May that it would shut down.

The eatery is famous for serving African-American jazz musicians during an era of segregated hotels. Its notable diners include Sammy Davis Jr., Duke Ellington and chef Julia Child. It was also a stop for politicians; last year, President Obama got a meal there.

In 2005, it won a James Beard Award, a distinction given for excellence in cuisine.

On Friday, a line stretched outside Charlie's. Boston resident Steve Dunwell was there.

"I think it's a loss to the city that it's closing and it's the end of a historical period, in a way," Dunwell said. "This place was very important to African-American history in Boston and I think people should know about that."

Longtime patron Cory O'Hayre was also there Friday.

"It's an institution," he said. "They haven't changed a stick of furniture since what, the '20s, '30s, '40s? Something like that. So it's definitely something that will be missed and it's something — you can't replicate it."

Marie Fuller takes an order from one of the many regular customers at Charlie’s. She has been working at the restaurant for 40 years with her co-owner brothers.. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Co-owners Arthur and Chris Manjourides have been churning out the breakfast orders at Charlie’s for over 50 years. Arthur has been here since he was 12-years-old.

Fontaine Anzalone taking an order at the counter. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Arthur Manjourides flipping an order of Charlie’s famous turkey hash on the stovetop. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Marie Fuller and Chris Manjourides say farewell to Cory O’Hayer, a long time patron of Charlie’s. Now that Charlie’s is closing he says he doesn’t know where he’ll go for breakfast now. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

A waitress taking and order at the counter in front of the old wooden refrigerator with photos of celebrities that have visited the restaurant including President Obama. (Jesse Costa/WBUR).

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