We’re debuting a new feature in this newsletter, where we focus on an Oak Park business that is no longer open. When I first moved to Oak Park in 2001, a neighbor directed us to the corner of East and Roosevelt, to Cairo Sausage Shop. Cairo was for four decades a fixture on at that corner, run by Frank and Theresa Cairo. In May of 2006, the Cairo family decided to retire.
The Wednesday Journal wrote a nice article about Cairo. SEOPCO asked neighbors if they had any further memories, and here’s some of what we heard.
Frank’s specialty was his Italian sausage, and many people posted about how he made the best sausage around. His hot ham was another favorite meat. You can see from their side window that the Cairo’s were proud of their sausage.
The shop was also well know for their red sauce, pizzas (fresh and frozen), and eggplant salad
We think Frank was responsible for much of that food, but Theresa’s lasagna was famous. She also made crocheted Easter baskets for her community. And the shop was filled with photos of Theresa with Popes, Cardinals, and other church officials.
Neighbors remarked on how it felt like a trip it Italy to visit their shop, and generally how immigrants from all around the world enrich our lives by bringing their food culture to share.
Today there is a barber shop that occupies that corner.
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