WORCESTER — The Grafton Street building that for decades housed Fairway Beef and its iconic Sir Loin metal bull is under agreement for sale, a real estate agent confirmed Monday.

Mike Martin, of M&R Realty Experts, confirmed to the Telegram & Gazette that a buyer has agreed to purchase the 44 Grafton St. building pending due diligence on plans with the city.

Martin said he could not immediately name the buyer because he does not represent them. Asked about the plans for the building, Martin said he understood the present concept is for housing upstairs and storefronts downstairs.

Fairway Beef, a fixture at the location for decades, closed abruptly in July 2021.

George Sigel, one of two brothers who owned the meat market their father started in 1946, told the T&G at the time that supply-chain problems and inflation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic caused financial distress.

Sigel said he and his brother, John “Jack” Sigel, were losing money every week, and decided to close while they could still avoid filing bankruptcy.

“Everybody is paid off and we go out with our heads up high,” he said at the time.

The pair also sold the iconic Sir Loin — the anatomically correct metal bull that once survived a crude, late-night castration attempt in an episode that landed a man in court. 

According to state and city records, a limited liability company managed by Jack Sigel, Jaffee Realty LLC, owns 44 Grafton St.

The city assessed the building and an attached parking lot at $433,400 in 2022. The property was listed at $1 million. Martin said it is currently under agreement for an amount that exceeds $900,000.

Another longtime business in the neighborhood, Harry Heitin Auto Radiator Co. at 86 Grafton St., also recently shuttered, as it was sold to a restaurant chain. 

Contact Brad Petrishen at brad.petrishen@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @BPetrishenTG

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Fairway Beef in Worcester building under sale agreement Sir Loin