Spiedie Shock: Lupo’s S&S Char Pit in Binghamton Closes Its Doors

It's the end of an era: Lupo's S&S Char Pit on Binghamton's North Side has served its last spiedie sub.

The iconic restaurant that had served a wide array of grilled specialties for more than four decades closed at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Steve Lupo said the Char Pit owners had been considering the move over the past couple of months.

Speaking inside the darkened restaurant Monday afternoon, Lupo said a decision has been made to focus on the wholesale side of the business. He acknowledged the move is "a big deal."

Lupo said "it's the kind of decision you lose sleep over." He said his main concern is for the restaurant's employees. He said about 11 people had worked at the site at the time of the closing.

Sam Lupo & Sons operates a meat processing facility in West Endicott. The company provides spiedies and other marinated meat products to many retailers, including some large supermarket chains. It plans to continue expanding its wholesale and online mail order businesses.

Lupo expressed appreciation to the Char Pit's loyal customers over the years.

The restaurant has been a big part of his life. Lupo noted he was 18 when the West State Street site opened in 1978. Before that, the building with the red roof had been a Dairy Queen restaurant.

Lupo said although the property has not been listed for sale, he expects that will occur soon.

WATCH: Steve Lupo discusses the decision to close the Char Pit after 45 years.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.