SPOKANE, Wash. – The community is mourning the loss of Larry Brown, a beloved restaurateur whose legacy includes The Onion Restaurant and Franks Diner. Brown passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a rich heritage that has served Spokane for over 50 years.
In the mid-1970s, Brown aimed to fill a gap in downtown Spokane by creating spaces for families to gather. In 1975, he purchased the space that housed the Union Tavern, transforming it into The Onion Restaurant by simply changing the “U” to an “O” due to budget constraints. The Onion quickly became a staple in the community.
Brown later acquired Franks Diner, preserving the historic railcars that have become a beloved setting for diners over the years. Both restaurants will continue under the leadership of Brown’s business partners, Ken Belisle and Robin Bernhart of Landmark Restaurants, among others.
Gage, a longtime employee of Franks Diner, described Brown’s character, saying, “He was not just the most hard working man I ever knew but he was absolutely the most caring, he cared about everybody that ever worked for him.”
Brown’s impact on Spokane is profound, and his legacy will continue to influence the local dining scene. His family and all those who crossed his path are in the thoughts of many as they remember a man dedicated to his community.
