Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe Closes This Weekend [Updated]

Photo by Kaitlyn Johnston

An 87-year-old culinary adventure is coming to an end this weekend. Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe, the legendary South End restaurant famous for its turkey hash, its colorful history, the roll call of celebrity visitors, and the warm service provided by siblings Arthur, Chris, Marie, and Fontane Manjourides, will shutter its doors after service on Saturday.

In May, after the Manjourides clan announced their mutual retirement via Twitter, Boston bemoaned the unexpected news. We spoke with other prominent chefs in the area such as Barbara Lynch, Andy Husbands, and Ken Oringer who shared some of their fondest memories. But perhaps Gordon Hamersley said it best when he remarked, “The place is so much more than a restaurant. It has been part of the fabric of the South End for so many years and I honestly can’t imagine it not being there.”

As can be expected, people lined up for the last chance at a perfectly seared flat top burger or a stack of blueberry cakes and to soak in Charlie’s’ singular ambience. The Manjourides family and restaurant staff were on hand, sharing handshakes, hugs, and a few tears with regulars and first-timers alike.

Here are a few more photos from the last service:

Photo by Kaitlyn Johnston

Photo by Kaitlyn Johnston

Photo by Kaitlyn Johnston

Photo by Kaitlyn Johnston