Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe In South End Closing After 87 Years
BOSTON (CBS) - After 87 years, Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe in the South End will close its doors for good next month.
Arthur Manjourides's father was here when the place opened in 1927 and ending up buying it. So Arthur started working there when he was 12, 61 years ago.
Now, at age 73, he says wants to walk out, not be carried out.
"You know I had a knee operation a few months ago and I had to stay home and I kind of liked it," Manjourides said.
On the wall, Boston's history, including photos of Sammy Davis, Jr. and a telegram from Duke Ellington who forgot his coat one night.
Manjourides remembers, "We were one of the few places that served black people and it was not that long ago."
Eleven months ago Monday, while campaigning for Senator Ed Markey, President Obama stopped in and ordered a cheeseburger and fries to go.
"My sister who was waiting on him and she says 'Does Michelle know you are eating french fries?" Manjourides says, "And he says 'I don't tell her.'"
Today the South End building is worth a small fortune.
And a few months ago they finally agreed to sell.
"I have been working here 46 years and it has been my life and it is very hard to say goodbye," says Marie Fuller, Arthur's sister.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe Closing After 87 Years
Long time customers agree.
"I think these guys should work until they are 90or 100 years old," one said.
The last day will be Saturday June 28th.
When I asked if they were planning anything special that day, they said no, they will be closing at 2:30 p.m. just like they always do.
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