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Sterling Goss Butcher Shop Closes Suddenly in Bucktown

By Emily Morris | April 29, 2014 9:37am | Updated on April 29, 2014 11:21am
 The butcher shop closed up Monday night.
Sterling Goss Butcher Shop Closes
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BUCKTOWN — A Bucktown butcher shop abruptly closed its doors Monday evening just hours after letting customers know on Facebook, but a sign on the door promises there's a "new concept coming soon."

Sterling Goss, which once sported the slogan "Butcher always on duty," had been at 1845 N. Oakley Ave. since 2008.

"It is with heavy heart that we announce that Sterling Goss will be closed for business as of 6:00 p.m. today," the store posted on Facebook Monday morning.

"We are tremendously humble to have served Chicago and the Bucktown community for the past 5 years and equally grateful to all of our customers during our time here," the post continued before offering 50 percent off of whatever was left in the store.

The butcher sold several cuts of beef, chicken, lamb and pork in addition to a selection of deli sandwiches and sides.

Owner Terry Walsh, a former J.P. Morgan Chase banker, achieved his dream of owning a butcher shop when he opened Sterling Goss, CNN reported in a profile of Walsh.

His great-grandfather had been in the butcher business and he told CNN, "I was intrigued by the idea of selling good cuts of meat."

"It's awful," said John Duffy, who owns All Star Pet Care nearby at 1904 N. Milwaukee Ave. and was a regular at Sterling Goss.

Duffy and his wife would go there at least twice a week for pasta salad, pork chops and Sterling Goss cheese dip, which Duffy said was "off the hook."

"He knew everybody's regular order," Duffy said of Walsh.

Before that, he got to know Walsh as the two got ready to open their businesses about the same time, Duffy said.

"He's just a real good guy," Duffy said.

Signs posted on the door of the shop read "Sterling Goss is closed for business. Thank you for 5 great years!" and then, "Watch for a new concept soon."

Walsh did not immediately respond for comment about what the new concept will be or if he's the one who will run it.

Bucktown resident Amy King, 39, said she had been to the butcher a few times and had meant to pay them a visit before finding out the place had closed.

"They were super nice," King said. "That's what made me want to come back in there."

But King said she would often go to a grocery store that would have all the items on her list rather than stopping in for a specialty item.

Duffy said the shop was a real convenience for him, as he and his wife constantly cook at home and it was easy to stop by and pick up a cut of meat.

He said he hadn't been told about the shop's closing until Tuesday.

"Just can't believe it," Duffy said.