There’s a new family coming to Clarkston ? and they’re bringing more than 50 years of restaurant experience with them.
Brett Knapp, of Oxford, and his father Roger Knapp, of Rochester, are opening a Red Knapp’s American Grill in Independence Township.
The Knapp family, mainly centered in the Rochester area, has been running restaurants in northern Oakland County for decades.
‘My entire family’s in the restaurant business,? said Knapp. ‘My grandfather started Red Knapp’s in Rochester in the 40s. It’s all my family has ever really done.?
Red Knapp’s in Rochester, primarily an ice cream shop, moved to the current location in 1950. Brett Knapp said his father Roger took over the establishment in the 1960s. Shortly after, around 1970, the building next door burned down and Roger Knapp built a new restaurant, then called Cooper’s Arms and now known as the Rochester Chop House.
‘My family still owns the building, but not the restaurant,? explained Knapp, who added that his uncle now runs the Red Knapp’s store.
Knapp’s own career as a restaurateur began as a child when he would help in the family’s eatery.
‘I worked for Dad some, but he was always pushing me to do something else,? remembers Knapp.
But owning a restaurant was in his blood. Brett Knapp, an Oxford resident for the past eight years, graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He worked for a while in restaurants and construction before opening Red Knapp’s American Grill in downtown Oxford in 1996.
Now Clarkston residents will be able to benefit from the decades of experience and enjoy the traditional taste of a homemade ‘Nap Burger.?
‘I’d always wanted to do a second location myself, and this seemed like the perfect place,? said Knapp. ‘I have friends in the community, and had even eaten at Duggan’s. It just looked like a place my restaurant would fit.?
Knapp explained that the Clarkston area is close enough to Oxford for him to travel easily between the two restaurants, but far enough away not to ‘intrude? on his existing customer base. Also, Knapp feels his establishment will fill the ‘niche? he sees in the area for ‘family-style places.?
So how did Knapp team up with his father for this project? Easy, restaurant owning has always been a family business.
‘It just kind of came about,? said Knapp in reference to his partnership with his father. ‘He’s been retired a few years now and was ready for a challenge.?
The new Red Knapp’s American Grill is located in the old Duggan’s Irish Pub West on Dixie Highway. Knapp plans to open the 6,900-square-foot building this coming November. Similar to his Oxford restaurant, the place will feature a rustic theme with rich woods and lots of antlers.
As for the menu, Oxford regulars will be able to find all their old favorites, like the ‘Nap Burger? and fish and chips, but a few new surprises will appear. Thanks to a larger kitchen, Knapp plans to offer a wider selection of entrees such as sandwiches, salads, ribs and salmon.
‘My only goal right now is for people to come here and find a good place to eat,? concluded Knapp.