Gary & Shorty

Gary Teegardin was the owner of several popular restaurants in Catonsville, including the original Taneytown Deli in the alley and Duesenberg’s American Café & Grill, which opened in 2009.  Gary named his restaurant after this vintage vehicle because he loved the grace and beauty of the Duesenberg car. 

In 2016, artist Edward Williams noticed a blank wall on the side of the Duesenberg’s Restaurant and decided to approach Gary with the concept of a mural with a Duesenberg car coming out of a stone tunnel. Gary loved it and commissioned Edward to begin as soon as possible. 

Gary had many loyal employees, including his delivery person, Henry “Shorty” Owens.  Gary had tremendous respect for Shorty who passed away in 2012 and decided to honor Shorty by including him in the mural as the car’s driver. 

Gary passed away on January 5, 2022, and the family closed the restaurant on that date. The family honored one of Gary’s last wishes, which was to be added to the mural, sitting next to his friend, Shorty, as they ride into eternity together in a Duesenberg.