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Tacoma Diner Closes Doors After 88 Years
11 Jun
Summary
- Knapp's diner in Tacoma's Proctor District closed permanently.
- Owner cited financial unsustainability after a year of trying to revive it.
- The restaurant operated in the same location since 1938.
Knapp's Restaurant & Lounge, a diner that has been a part of Tacoma's Proctor District since 1938, has closed permanently. Owner Billy Brewer, who purchased the establishment in August 2025, announced the closure, citing a mismatch between incoming revenue and outgoing costs. Despite attempts to modernize the menu and expand offerings like happy hour specials and boozy brunches, profitability remained elusive.
The diner offered a final 'coffee only' service from 7-10 a.m. on June 13, 2026, and lounge hours from 4-7 p.m. on the same day. Brewer, who previously worked in tech sales and IT, noted that the significant operating costs of the large restaurant ultimately led to the decision.
Knapp's spanned several storefronts at 2701-2709 N. Proctor St., with apartments on the second floor. The building is valued around $4.2 million and is owned by Gamble Building LLC. While Brewer owns the Knapp's brand, future operations depend on new ownership and negotiations with the property owners, as community members express a desire to see the brand continue.
