clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Knox Street Pub Will Shutter Before the End of the Year

The bar’s owner is declining to renew his lease after 14 years

by Amy McCarthy
Yelp/Kim H.
Amy McCarthy is a staff writer at Eater.com, focusing on pop culture, policy and labor, and only the weirdest online trends.

Popular Uptown watering hole Knox Street Pub has announced that it will close its doors before the end of 2018.

In a post to the bar’s Instagram account, owner Ryan Ferguson says that he will close the bar after his lease is up in November. After almost 14 years here, I’m simply looking for a little quality of life,” Ferguson wrote. He also notes that, unlike other favorites in the area, the decision to close wasn’t motivated by a dispute with the building’s landlord or impending threats from developers.

Ferguson also says that he decided to not just sell the bar and let it continue in that space because of past experiences with ownership groups. That said, he hasn’t completely shut the door on Knox Street Pub making a comeback, either. “It made sense to walk away when I was ready to do so. That time is near,” Ferguson said. “I own the assumed names, so it’s a concept I could consider again in the future. But, for right now, it’s time to move on to bigger and better things.”

No official closing date has been announced for Knox Street Pub, but expect for it to bow out of Uptown in November.

Over the past few months, I’ve been inundated with phone calls and emails regarding the rumor of KSP closing. Therefore, I felt it was time to write and set the record straight regarding the “rumors”. It is true that I have made the decision to close at the end of my lease term in November. That said, there are a few things I’d like to clarify. I approached my landlord a year ago and informed him I would not be signing a new lease at the end of my current term. I believe he was somewhat shocked, but understood after a lengthy conversation. We have an incredible relationship and are close friends. Stockdale is an amazing group with amazing people behind it. I want to make it clear that this was 100% my decision. This was not a circumstance of a “greedy landlord” wanting me out. Or, raising the rent on the property. After almost 14 years here, I’m simply looking for a little quality of life. People ask why I wouldn’t sign a new lease and then sell considering the business we consistently do. The answer: This is my baby. I’ve been here almost 14 years. I’ve seen it mistreated under prior ownership and I couldn’t see it happen in the future under a new group. Therefore, it made sense to walk away when I was ready to do so. That time is near. I own the assumed names, so it’s a concept I could consider again in the future. But, for right now, it’s time to move on to bigger and better things. I’d like to thank everyone at Stockdale Investment Group. Especially Joe. You guys are the best for a reason. I look forward to working with you again in the near future. If anyone cares to follow me on the next adventure, I am finally joining social media and have started a personal Instagram @rferguson55 Thank you all for your understanding. Let’s blow the last four months out! -Ryan

A post shared by Knox Street Pub and Grill (@knoxstreetpub) on

More From Eater Dallas

The Latest

These Dallas Restaurants Are Offering State Fair-Inspired Dishes

By Courtney E. Smith

You’ll Need the Secret Code to Visit This Plano Bar

By Amy Kelley

Investors File and Quickly Dismiss Lawsuit Against Lucky’s Hot Chicken

By Courtney E. Smith

Tasting Collective Launches Private Dining Club in Dallas

By Courtney E. Smith

Celebrate the Jewish High Holidays With Foods From These Dallas Spots

By Rachel Pinn

The Best Dishes Eater Dallas Ate in August

By Courtney E. Smith