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Knife and Fork Inn facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Knife and Fork Inn is a famous restaurant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It's located where Atlantic and Pacific Avenues meet. It first opened its doors in 1912. Back then, it was a private club started by a man known as "the Commodore" Louis Kuehnle.

In 1927, just before the time called Prohibition began, it changed. A hotel owner from New York City, Milton Latz, turned it into a special dining place. It was a fancy spot where important people from Atlantic City would go to eat.

A Restaurant's Journey Through Time

The restaurant closed in December 1996 by Milton Latz's son, Mack Latz. But then, in December 1999, another son, Andrew Latz, decided to reopen it. He wanted to run the restaurant for his father.

Later, the older Mr. Latz sold the restaurant. The new owners are the Dougherty family. They also own Docks Oyster House, which is the oldest restaurant in Atlantic City. Docks Oyster House first opened way back in 1897.

Famous Faces and TV Fame

Many famous people have visited the Knife and Fork Inn over the years. Entertainers like Rosemary Clooney, Vic Damone, and Bob Hope enjoyed meals there. Important business people, like casino owner Steve Wynn, also dined at the restaurant. Even two former governors of New Jersey, James Florio and Christine Todd Whitman, were guests.

The restaurant gained new fame because of a popular TV show called Boardwalk Empire. This show was about Atlantic City's past. A real-life important figure from Atlantic City, Enoch "Nucky" Johnson, was often shown in the series. He was a big part of Atlantic City during the time the show was set.

Even though another club, Babette's Supper Club, wasn't around during the earliest parts of Prohibition, the Knife & Fork Inn was very similar. It was even chosen to represent the other famous old place in the TV show. In a later season of Boardwalk Empire, the Knife & Fork Inn was mentioned by name. A special version of the restaurant was even built for a big scene in the show.

Images for kids

  • Knife and fork inn 2021

    Hipsters celebrate outside the Knife and Fork Inn, 2021

  • Knife and fork inn 1915

    Postcard showing Knife and Fork Inn, circa 1915.

  • Knife and fork inn 1930

    Postcard showing Knife and Fork Inn, circa 1930.

  • Knife and fork inn 1946

    Freebie postcard, circa 1946.

  • Knife and fork inn 1948

    Freebie postcard, circa 1948.

  • Knife and fork inn 1952

    Knife and Fork Inn, circa 1952.

  • Knife and fork inn 1954

    Freebie postcard, circa 1954.

  • Knife and fork inn 1975

    Postcard showing Knife and Fork Inn, circa 1975.

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