Gus’ Sir Beef restaurant will close permanently after 54 years in Charlotte

Melissa Oyler
Updated ·3 min read

Gus’ Sir Beef, a Charlotte staple since 1969 and the city’s first farm-to-table restaurant, will close permanently.

The restaurant closed temporarily in January, with owner Thrace Bacogeorge healing from a knee injury. The future of the classic restaurant was unknown at the time.

On Monday, April 10, Bacogeorge posted on Facebook the news that the restaurant will close permanently.

“This is one of the hardest moments of my life, and I am sorry it took so long to post,” he wrote.

“I have prayed long and hard over this decision; taking into account the need to repair my knee and the issues with the building,” he said. “It’s not just me, it’s not just a landmark, it is not just my parents’ legacy, it’s a part of me. It’s a place rich of heart and memories.”

Gus Bacogeorge opened the restaurant in 1969, and son Thrace Bacogeorge took over in 2000. With this news, Charlotte is saying goodbye to 54 years of memories at one of Charlotte’s oldest restaurants.

“They talk about my dad carrying them in the back to get some banana pudding. Or about the Hot Wheels and dolls we used to give kids,” Thrace told CharlotteFive’s Philip Freeman in 2022. “We’ve had a lot of really cool moments.” Thrace grew up in a house behind the restaurant.

Thrace Bacogeorge, owner of Gus’ Sir Beef on Monroe Road.
Thrace Bacogeorge, owner of Gus’ Sir Beef on Monroe Road.

Charlotte’s first farm-to-table restaurant serves the same Southern food 53 years later

Thrace described difficult times, citing financial strains related to the pandemic and needed roof repairs. “I operated through these times placing band aides (sic) on an aging building and building reserves for a day when I could repair the roof and update the interior. However the strains of COVID depleted those funds,” he said. “The rain and extreme low temperatures of late December and early January caused a sudden failure in portions of the roof decking of the restaurant and the cost to repair is above my means.”

The restaurant will not be open for official goodbyes, Thrace said.

“We will miss the opportunity to say our farewells in person and love on our many customers, family and close friends that have made Gus’ everything it was, is and will always be; a place to come home to; a place to enjoy a simple homemade fresh meal, and a place to make new friends. We love you all. Thank you for my 23 years at Gus’, and for the 54 years under my parents, and family. It has been a privilege and our honor to serve the Charlotte and surrounding communities these many years.”

Gus’ Sir Beef is at the corner of Monroe and Wendover roads.
Gus’ Sir Beef is at the corner of Monroe and Wendover roads.

“I am so very sad to hear this news! My dad and I went to lunch together at Gus’ for decades and it was our special place. He passed away in 2021 and I have such wonderful memories with him at Gus’,” Ashley Jewell posted on Facebook. “Thank you and your family for serving the Charlotte community over the years.” Other customers reacted on social media as well — don’t miss our roundup of favorite memories.

We reached out to Gus’ Sir Beef and as of publication, have not heard back. This story is developing and may be updated.

‘Another L for Charlotte.’ Customers lament Gus’ Sir Beef restaurant closing.

Gus’ Sir Beef

Location: 4101 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205