A private security guard working at the Jefferson Park CTA Terminal, 4917 N. Milwaukee Ave., reportedly returned fire after a group of three people started harassing him and then fired read story
‘Man, what a run!’ Gale Street Inn owner says as iconic Jefferson Park ‘rib joint’ closes
by BRIAN NADIG
The landmark Gale Street Inn restaurant in Jefferson Park — famous for its ribs — has closed, according to an Instagram post from the owner.
“With a sad but satisfied heart, we have closed our restaurant. Hiring and retaining quality staff has proven too tough for too long. We are tired of sucking, we have standards you know. But overworking our existing crew is not the answer.
“There are simply too many of you and not enough of us. Thank you to our current & past teams.
“Man what a run! Thank you to all of our guests for all of the years. To our vendors, thank you for delivering the goods, always. To the city of Chicago, we loved operating in the greatest food town on the planet.
“We will come up with a gift card plan and fill you in. There is no gracious way to close a retail business and we apologize for the inconveniences in advance.
“We wish you all peace and love. Good Bye, GSI,”the post said.
News of the closing comes as a surprise given that the restaurant, whose address is 4914 N. Milwaukee Ave., recently underwent a remodeling project, as it opened a new supper club for private events.
In the past the restaurant, which opened in 1963, has taken “breaks,” either for remodeling or vacation but always reopened.
Owner George Karzas has been a supporter of community events and organizations, often as a sponsor and as an attendee.
The restaurant initially started out as a bar that became known for its beef sandwiches and other food and was located near the southeast corner of Gale Street and Milwaukee Avenue but moved across the street due to the construction of the Jefferson Park CTA Terminal in the 1960s. The terminal opened in 1970.
The restaurant had become one of the most recognizable images of Jefferson Park, with “Gale Street Inn” often the first words mentioned when someone talks about the Northwest Side community.
Editor’s note: Stay turned for updates. The restaurant changed its status on Google to “Permanently Closed.”
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