The Gale Street Inn, a cherished restaurant in Jefferson Park since 1963, announced its closure after struggling with staffing challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Owner George Karzas expressed his weariness over the staffing difficulties, stating that while business was still good, maintaining quality staff had become increasingly hard.
On Wednesday evening, the restaurant had posted a nostalgic video on Instagram, leading to speculation about its fate. By Thursday morning, the message was clear: Gale Street Inn would shut its doors, attributing the decision to ongoing difficulties in hiring and retaining staff. In their heartfelt farewell to Chicago, they emphasized their love for operating in what they deemed “the greatest food town on the planet.”
The restaurant, which is particularly known for its tender baby back ribs, recently underwent a complete remodel and had previously survived the significant industry upheaval caused by the pandemic. Data from market researchers indicated that nearly 19% of Chicago’s restaurants closed during the initial COVID-19 outbreak, with ongoing concerns regarding the industry’s stability.
Community responses have been emotional, with locals expressing shock and sadness at the news of the closure. Longtime patrons, like Jim Wigoda and Abdon Pallasch, shared their grief, reflecting on their personal connections to the Gale Street Inn across family generations.
Illinois Restaurant Association Executive Director Sam Toia highlighted broader industry struggles, pointing to the elimination of the tip credit and ICE raids as factors contributing to staffing issues. He warned that unless crucial changes are made regarding taxes and labor policies, more iconic restaurants may face similar fates, leading to increased empty storefronts across the city.
While the closure of such a beloved institution is undoubtedly a lamentable event for the community, it serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the restaurant industry as a whole. The focus now shifts to how the city and industry stakeholders will innovate to support and sustain independent restaurants, ensuring the survival of cherished establishments like Gale Street Inn in the future.