GOWRIE — Macke Gowrie, 1111 Beek St., will be closing its doors on Saturday.

The car dealership, owned by Gus Macke, began operating in Gowrie about two-and-a-half years ago, according to Luke Anstoeter, marketing manager.

Macke Motors Inc. in Lake City, also owned by Gus Macke, will remain open.

The dealership there has been in business for 45 years.

Although Macke Gowrie will be shutting down on Saturday, there is the possibility that it may re-open under different circumstances, Anstoeter said.

“We understand how important small businesses are to small towns,” Anstoeter said. “This has been a very difficult decision. We are working on a couple of different angles to have the business re-opened in the near future. We just want to do everything on our end to keep the doors open if we can. That’s ultimately what we want.”

Gayle Redman, Gowrie mayor, said it’s difficult to see businesses like Macke Gowrie close.

“We were all very excited when they came to Gowrie and we had high hopes for it,” Redman said. “It’s disheartening when any business closes, but that’s the nature of small business sometimes.”

“A lot of businesses have come and gone through Gowrie,” Redman added. “It’s disheartening when we lose one, but who knows what else could come along?”

A going-out-of-business sale will be held through Saturday at the dealership.

“Essentially, we are trying to move as much of the inventory as we can,” Anstoeter said.

The building itself, which was originally built in 1920 according to information on the Webster County assessor’s website, is also for sale.

“It’s a beautiful facility,” Anstoeter said.

Discounted parts and accessories will be for sale throughout the week.

Oil change specials at $19.95 will also be offered until the oil runs out.

Business hours will be extended to 7 p.m. through Friday.

On Saturday the business will be open until 5 p.m.

Macke Gowrie employs 10 people.

Anstoeter said it’s difficult to leave a place like Gowrie.

“We have absolutely loved our time in Gowrie,” Anstoeter said. “The Gowrie community has been so great to us and that’s what makes it so difficult to make this decision. It wasn’t something made lightly.”