This Tiny Gift to Rochester's Cheap Charlie's Owners Made Me Cry

I didn't expect to cry while watching a video about a tiny restaurant.

And yet, here I am.

We all lost an iconic piece of Rochester when Cheap Charlie's closed its doors on July 31st.

I knew the last week was going to be an emotional one for quite a few people who have loved this spot. And after seeing the list of people I know who stopped in "one last time" to say goodbye, I was reminded once again just how special this little restaurant was to our community.

But then I saw something that completely got me.

A Tiny Gift That Says So Much About What Cheap Charlie's Meant To Rochester

I was sitting in the Y-105FM studio working on a few things for our Facebook page when I saw a video pop up from Realty Growth Inc.

Matt Gove with Realty Growth Inc. helped with the sale of the Cheap Charlie's property and shared a video the other day with his goodbye. As he was walking through the restaurant, the camera pointed out a few of the classic items that some customers have probably seen for decades.

But these items weren't just part of the restaurant. The table, the booths, the photos and framed stories on the wall...these are part of Rochester's history.

But the moment that really got me was a tiny gift that the owners received.

A Little Piece Of Cheap Charlie's To Keep Forever

Those who were involved in the sale had a 3-D printed miniature replica of Cheap Charlie's made. But it wasn't just "the building".

We all know the building.

But you can ask anyone who has been around Rochester for a bit...it was what was ON the building that made this place stand out even more.

And yes, the 3-D print that the owners received included the pig.

Seeing a tiny version of that building, complete with the pig on the roof...that is what got me. You and I will never be able to drive down the street and see that pig on top of that building again, but thanks to this tiny gift, the owners still have a chance to look at it.

Saying Goodbye To Cheap Charlie's

After all of those years firing up the grills and serving people in Rochester, it was finally time for the owners to enjoy a new chapter - retirement. But before that door closed for good, Matt Gove stopped by one last time with the gift.

If you haven't had a chance to see the video yet, grab a Kleenex and check it out below.

This Rochester MN Staple has been here since 1955 and will be sorely missed by the community. It's bittersweet but thanks for calling us to help you sell the property. Enjoy your retirement." - Matt Gove - Realty Growth Inc- Commercial Real Estate

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Y-105FM is Southeast Minnesota's go-to source for local news, events, and community stories. Whether you're a lifelong Rochester resident or just discovering everything this region has to offer, we're here to help you connect, explore, and stay in the know. Know something we should cover? Reach out to jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com — we're always looking for something to talk about on the radio and write about.

Locals in Rochester Would Hate To See These Restaurants Close

One of the saddest stories to read is when one our favorite restaurants announces that they have closed for good. Unfortunately, it seems like this is news we are hearing more and more of in this economy.

We asked locals in Rochester, Minnesota what favorite spot would be heartbreaking to hear that they had closed for good - here are the top answers.

Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio