A BELOVED community staple recently announced it will be closing its doors after 70 years in business.
The Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership abruptly shut after it announced it would be merging with another nearby dealership.
An iconic Harley-Davidson dealership announced it would abruptly close[/caption]
The dealership has been in business for 70 years[/caption]
The dealership is merging with a nearby business[/caption]
Doc’s Harley-Davidson store in Kirkwood, Missouri, about 20 minutes outside of St. Louis, shared the news on social media.
On May 30, the dealership announced that it would merge with Gateway Harley-Davidson, forming a new dealership under new ownership.
“We are thrilled to announce the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Doc’s Harley-Davidson,” the announcement read.
“This week, we join with Gateway Harley-Davidson to become the all-new St. Louis Harley-Davidson.”
The Schipper Family now owns Doc’s Harley-Davidson, taking it over from Beth Ernst, who owned it since 2015.
Doc’s Harley-Davidson was founded by mechanic and racer Doc, who then handed the business over to his son, Ralph, the Webster-Kirkwood Times reported.
Patty Bush, Doc’s daughter, operated the business until 2015 when she sold it to Ernst.
The sale comes as a surprise to city officials and town locals alike.
“No one at city hall knew about Doc’s closing,” Kirkwood Mayor Liz Gibbons told the Times.
The business will now be owned by the Gateway Harley-Davidson dealership, which dates back to 1948.
Kirkwood community members called Doc’s closing a “sad day.”
“Sad day for Kirkwood and the motorcycle community,” one resident wrote.
“Thanks for all the memories.”
Doc’s posted a longer message on Facebook two days after announcing its closure, thanking the community for their support.
“Doc’s Harley-Davidson has been more than just a dealership—it’s been a home for riders, a trusted part of the community, and a place where lifelong memories were made.
“As we close this chapter, we do so with deep gratitude for the friendships, loyalty, and shared passion that defined Doc’s,” the post continued.
Harley-Davidson’s uncertain future
- May 2020: Jochen Zeitz replaces Matthew Levatich as the company’s CEO
- April 2021: Zeitz implements the “Hardwire” five-year plan, in which the company focused on revamping its core touring line-up and focused on online sales through the HD-1 Marketplace
- April 2021: Harley-Davidson lost millions after it was threatened by a 56% tariff from the EU, which never came to fruition, Reuters reported
- December 2024: In the fourth quarter, the company reported a loss of $117 million, with domestic market share shrinking by 13 percent in the same period
- February 2025: The trade war between Europe and the Trump administration leads Harley-Davidson’s CEO to say the company would “fight aggressively” against any tariffs, Milwaukee Journal reported
- April 1, 2025: Board member Jared Dourdeville wrote a letter announcing he would resign from the board and called for Zeitz to retire, blaming him for the “cultural” depletion of the company
- April 8, 2025: Zeitz announced he planned to step down and will remain the CEO until a replacement is found
“While change is never easy, we’re excited to begin our next chapter at St. Louis Harley-Davidson. Here’s to new roads, new memories, and the same great spirit that brought us all together.”
Over 500 people reacted to the post, with over 100 followers commenting their fond memories of the establishment.
“Took my riders edge class there and bought my first Harley there from Doug. Joined the Hog Chapter and was where I learned about riding,” one man commented.
“Moved to North Carolina 15 years ago but I visit often and always dropped in when I was in town. It was ‘my’ Harley store. Loved knowing Doug and still consider him a friend. I hope my story resonates with others.
“Thanks for everything, good luck guys. I will still stop in to see you next time I am in town.”
