KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A beloved Knoxville restaurant will soon close its doors after it was sold to a private investor, according to officials with Rankin Restaurant.
They said they will stay open until 11 a.m. on Friday, February 25. They will only serve breakfast that day, according to officials. They encouraged people to stop by the restaurant and say, 'hello' to the staff.
The restaurant has been open since 1953. It is the oldest operating restaurant in Knoxville, and in the nearly 69 years it has been open customers and staff created cherished memories over plates of biscuits and gravy.
Officials with the restaurant said they did not make the decision to close their doors lightly. However, they said they experienced several staffing issues in the last few years and have seen prices of food and supplies rise recently. They also said the physical demands of the restaurant have gotten to be overwhelming for workers.
"So, we move into the next chapter of our lives and leave Rankin while we are on top," they said on social media. "It’s been a great run and we appreciate you all more than words can say. If you come in this week please step to the kitchen and say hey to us, we would love to see you."
In the comments, people shared memories of times they brought gifts for staff and made routine visits at the restaurant with family members. Officials also shared their own memories with people who were a part of the Rankin Restaurant family.
Information about future plans for the restaurant was not immediately available. The restaurant is located at 2200 North Central Street. Anyone with a gift card is encouraged to use it as soon as possible.
