Sam and Gertie’s, a trailblazing vegan Jewish deli situated in the heart of Uptown Chicago, is preparing for its final weekend of operation after nearly five years in business. The proprietor, Andy Kalish, has announced that the restaurant will be open for one last hurrah before officially shutting down. Despite being saddened by the closure of his beloved establishment, Kalish remains optimistic about what the future holds.
In anticipation of the impending closure, Kalish has already begun making plans for a new venture: a breakfast spot located right next door to Sam and Gertie’s. He intends to shift his focus towards a more specialized concept and is excited to bring something new and exciting to the neighborhood. The staff at Sam and Gertie’s were seen hard at work in the production kitchen, wrapping up recipes for the last weekend.
Sam and Gertie’s was named after Kalish’s grandparents, Sam Stuart and Gertrude Brandt, and was inspired by his late parents. Although it will soon be saying goodbye, Kalish plans to keep some of their most popular vegan dishes on the menu at his new breakfast spot. The decision to open a vegan deli was deeply rooted in Kalish’s upbringing and beliefs. He believes that caring for animals and preserving the environment are fundamental tenets of Judaism, and he hopes that the Torah would support veganism if it were written today.
This weekend will be Sam & Gertie’s final hours as they prepare to close their doors permanently.
