Bill Knapp's Restaurant
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Bill Knapp's was a family-oriented restaurant chain in the midwest noted [1] for its reliably friendly service and good food at reasonable prices [2]. It was founded by Clinton B. Knapp (Mar. 13, 1907-Oct. 15, 1974) in Battle Creek, Michigan. As explained by Family Dining [3], "Bill Knapp's Restaurants had been around for more than 50 years...Many have fond memories, either as a child or parent of eating there." In an attempt to be hip [4]it lost contact with its core clientele, resulting in bankruptcy, after opening 29 restaurants in 54 years [5].
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[edit] Folk Historical Record
Persons and institutions from various cities have endeavored to preserve the record of Bill Knapp's in their community, for instance:
- Photo from 1957 [6]
- Remains in "Best Restaurants" though closed [7].
- Vanished Kalamazoo[8]
- Benton Harbor[9]
- Ann Arbor [10].
- memorial list of Bill Knapp's locations [11]
[edit] The Menu
Many currently middle-aged people remember fondly the children's menu at Bill Knapp's, including delicacies such as the "lion" (a cheeseburger in a basket).
The onion rings, au gratin potatoes[12], and chocolate cake[13] [14] (recipe purchased by Awrey Bakeries [15]) were particularly prized. Other recipes may be found at [16] and[17].
[edit] Birthdays
A meal at Bill Knapp's was de rigeur at birthdays, since a piece of chocolate cake was on the house, and happy birthday sung by the waitstaff as well as most other patrons.
[edit] Floorplan
According to [18] a key to Bill's Knapp's success was its floorplan. All of the stores had the same plan: a T with the kitchen at the crossing point, opening up over the three dinning rooms in the extensions of the T. This gave diners the feeling they they were in touch with the source of the food, and also gave a homey feel. Inexplicably, given its general hospitality to seniors and children, the bathrooms were located down a steep flight of stairs in the right branch of the T.
[edit] Other success factors
Other factors which may have contributed to Bill Knapp's success include touches such as comic books given to kids while their family waits for a table, or the senior discount proportional to one's age. In short, Bill Knapp's was well attuned to the life cycle of human beings, individually, and as families. These touches did not feel to be part of a marketing plan, but rather organic discoveries made over the years which were incorporated into the life of the restaurant.
[edit] Failure
Bill Knapp's failed by destroying the very familiarity and comfort which its customers valued. They instituted a "That Was Then, This Is WOW" campaign, calculated to tell people that things had changed, which was the last thing they wanted. After a few years, they tried to reverse course by announcing that "The Tradition is Back", but it was too late [19].
[edit] References
[edit] External links
Detailed history [20].
A history of [21].
A news report on the demise of [22].
Another news report Midland (Michigan) [23].
