Some feel that a “true diner” is a prefabricated structure built at a plant with the intended purpose of serving food. Many think that a diner is a “diner” because of the style of food that is provided.
The cultural phenomenon that has evolved into the modern diner has its roots in the Northeast. A gentleman named Walter Scott started a part time business out of home selling prepared lunches to supplement his income at a local newspaper in Providence, RI. In 1872 he quit his pressman’s job and started selling full time out of an enclosed wagon. From this humble beginning the diner evolved. When the nation became electrified many horse drawn trolley cars were converted to use as a dining establishment because of their abundance and low cost. The next change came during the great depression when former rail cars became available for purchase at reasonable prices. The term, “diner” comes from “dining car”. The companies making the structures had begun modeling them after the elegant rail cars of the period. Additionally low cost rail cars that had seen actual use on railroad lines throughout the country took on a new life as an eatery.
One such car was Northern Pacific Railroad’s #1787.
Built by the Barney-Smith Company the 1787 was built as an “observation car” in 1906. Barney-Smith was the primary competitor for the more well-known Pullman Company’s elegant railcar business. The car sat unsold for five years when North Pacific Railroad (NP) bought it and had it remodeled into a private presidential railcar. The North Pacific used NP 1787 from 1909 until a replacement was purchased after two decades. The 1787 served the NP faithfully providing a luxurious home away from home for three of the North Pacific’s presidents, Howard Elliott, (1903 – 1913), Jule Murat Hannaford, (1913 – 1920), and Charles Donnelly, (1920 – 1939).
NP #1787, the elegant presidential car sporting Tiffany Glass in the clerestory windows, and elaborate light fixtures throughout, eventually became a victim of the great depression. Sitting idle in Seattle it was purchased by the Knight brothers, Frank and Jack. It was then converted The Knight’s diner on 4th Ave South in Seattle where it remained in business and in the Knight family for the next 60 years. The loss of a lease brought another loss to Seattle, The Knight’s Diner. Shortly after it was closed in 1991 NP #1787 was moved across the State of Washington to Downtown Spokane where it was restored once again and its long tradition of great breakfasts was continued. Since Spokane already had a Knight’s diner Frank’s came into existance.
The diner is topped with a nice neon reminder that Frank’s has been at it since 1931 as a diner. A reader board type sign featuring a clock and witty sayings to entice visitors sits near the corner of the parking area. The best slogan on the day I visited was, “Gravy is My Favorite Food Group”. Yes, indeed. Frank’s has another location in North Spokane in a 1913 Pullman sleeper “Laketon”, lettered as GN #670 But the downtown location at 1516 W. 2nd Ave is my pick.
Routinely voted as Spokane’s “Best Breakfast”, Frank’s Diner boasts that it serves:
“15 thousand eggs and
2 ½ tons of hashbrowns Per month
One breakfast at a time
PRICELESS”
In an era where people are forgetting that “real diners” are not found in strip malls, and here in a region where a “real diner” is a rare find, Frank’s truly is the “Real Deal”. If you make a trip to Spokane be sure to include a stop at Frank’s. Breakfast is served.…All Day.
Source: Frank’s Diner, Barney & Smith Company
Thanks for the info Chuck. I updated the post to reflect the change of name. The Knights diner in Spokane is definitely on my to do list for my next visit.
This diner was never known as “Frank’s Diner” while in Seattle. It was called Knight’s Diner. You should have visited the Knight’s Diner when you were in Spokane; also a railroad car, it’s a much better breakfast than Frank’s.