A longtime Cal’s Liquors customer says goodbye to Cal Feirstein. Co-owner Fred Feirstein is in foreground. (Steve Miller/WBBM)
Reporting Steve Miller
(CBS) — After 55 years, the two brothers who a South Loop liquor store and bar are calling it quits.
The last day of the year was the last day in business for Cal’s Liquors after 55 years at 400 South Wells. And the customers came by to say goodbye.
“End of an era. I’ve been coming in here since ’76. I knew his dad,” one man told WBBM Newsradio’s Steve Miller.
It was the father of Fred Feirstein and his brother, Cal, who opened the original store in 1947 just across the street.
The Feirstein brothers say it’s time to turn the page.
There have been a lot of memories generated over 55 years.
“The day John Kennedy was killed we were here and people were shocked and the television’s on,” Fred Feirstein recalled. “And when the Trade Center blew up nobody could get down here. I was here alone.”
A steady stream of people came in to say goodbye Monday.
“It’s been a pleasure. I mean, really. You’re a really decent human person,” one man said.
“Thank you,” Fred Feirstein replied.
