A traditional German deli beloved by the downtown Ottawa lunch crowd for its hearty soups and affordably-priced sandwich rolls is closing its door after three decades in the business.

For 30 years, The German Town deli has also been the go-to spot for a range of groceries, knick knacks and reading material from the old country — everything from ceramic beer steins and traditional wooden nut crackers to the latest copy of Der Spiegel.

The German Town's owner says he's decided to retire and close the deli for good.

Perry Schneider says the deli's last day will be Friday, Jan. 29.

Owner Perry Schneider plans to close The German Town at the end of the month. <a href="https://t.co/nVumxxj1we">pic.twitter.com/nVumxxj1we</a> —@OttawaMorning

The announcement left The German Town's loyal customers in mourning.

😢 the worst news. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a>: Owner Perry Schneider plans to close The German Town at the end of the month. <a href="https://t.co/V5Z5jc5gO2">pic.twitter.com/V5Z5jc5gO2</a> —@AMWATERS

<a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOttawa">@CBCOttawa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaMorning">@OttawaMorning</a> So sad! Always my little treat when downtown for lunch. Thank you for the years of memories & food. —@eric_kristian

<a href="https://twitter.com/MetroLucy">@MetroLucy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelrwoods">@michaelrwoods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOttawa">@CBCOttawa</a> no more Genoa salami sandwiches for me. Going to miss this place! —@giuseppelo

I just heard on <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOttawa">@CBCOttawa</a> that the German Town Deli is closing. (Owner is retiring.) I'll miss those cheap'n'tasty sandwiches! —@CreativeTweets

CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning stopped by the deli to speak to Schneider about his decision, which you can hear below.