Karl’s Sausage Kitchen is closing after six decades in business

Karl’s Sausage Kitchen & European Market, a beloved specialty grocery store in Peabody that opened in 1958, will close this month after 67 years in business.

Customers of the North Shore store learned of the news of its closing after owners Anita and Bob Gokey posted their decision on Facebook.

“It is with a mixture of deep gratitude and heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Karl’s Sausage Kitchen after 67 memorable years,” the post read. “This decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration, we believe the time is right to close this chapter.”

Boston.com reached out to the owners for a statement on why they were closing, but did not hear back in time for publication. But Boston Globe reported that the Gokeys, the married couple who took over Karl’s Sausage Kitchen in 2007, were “exhausted” and ready to move on.

“We tried to switch to someone else, but it’s a tough business environment,” Anita told him globe. “We got an offer on the building and it made sense to close.”

Karl Engel was the original owner of the store, which first opened the European Market on Route 1 in Saugus. Under Gokeys, the grocery store moved to Peabody.

The space features food, a market, and at one point a cafe that has remained closed since the pandemic. Customers could find foods like fresh weisswurst and Swiss Emmental cheese in the deli, as well as French mustard and Swedish ginger in the market.

The announcement of Karl’s closing was posted on Tuesday and was met with hundreds of comments from residents and customers saddened by the news.

“To say you will be missed is an understatement. Thank you for years of delicious service,” read one comment.

“Growing up in Berlin was such a wonderful experience for me, and being able to enjoy some of the same quality food from Karl’s was such a treasure. From all the sweets and desserts, to the delicious sausages, cheeses and hams in the snack box, it’s been great. Thank you so much for sharing your gifts with my family,” read another comment.

Karl’s Sausage Kitchen’s last day open is Saturday, January 18th. The owners asked customers to come say goodbye with one last purchase of Haribo gummies.

“Although we are closing our doors, the memories and connections we have made will stay with us forever,” Gokeys said on Facebook. “Thank you for 67 incredible years – it has truly been an honor to serve you.”

Tell us: Do you have a special memory from shopping at Karl’s Sausage Kitchen? What were some of your favorite items? Tell us what you will miss about the store. Share with us in the poll below or send us an e-mail at [email protected]and your answer may appear in a future Boston.com article.

Katelyn Umholtz

Food and Restaurant Reporter

Katelyn Umholtz covers food and restaurants for Boston.com. Katelyn is also the author of The Dish, a weekly food newsletter.