Iconic diner temporarily closes as owner recovers from medical emergency

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A longtime Frankfort favorite is unusually quiet this holiday season. Tammy’s Diner, known for its homemade meals and community atmosphere, has temporarily closed after one of its owners experienced a medical emergency.

According to the family, co-owner Dan Cook is recovering after undergoing an unexpected medical procedure. His wife, Tammy, made the decision to close the diner so she could remain by his side during his recovery.

The closure has left a noticeable void for regular customers who are used to packed parking lots and long waits for breakfast and lunch. The diner has been a staple in the Frankfort community since Tammy and Dan took ownership in 2017, serving as a gathering place for friends, families, and loyal patrons.

Their granddaughter, Nicole Stanfield, says the restaurant is usually so busy that people often line up outside, sometimes even standing in the grass while waiting for a table.

“People line the building. There’s no parking spaces right there that you can see,” Stanfield said. “This place is busy.”

Stanfield says the closure came after Dan, who has ongoing health issues including diabetes, was taken to the hospital when his family noticed a serious infection. Doctors later performed an emergency amputation.

With the diner closed, Stanfield started a GoFundMe to help support the family during the unexpected downtime. She says the financial strain is especially difficult because Tammy has continued paying employees through the holidays, even while the business remains closed.

“My nana is not one to ask for help at all,” Stanfield said. “She’s helped so many people in the community. Her biggest concern right now is her employees.”

According to Stanfield, Tammy made sure workers were paid last week and plans to do the same again this week, despite the closure, because many of them have families and children during the Christmas season.

For now, Tammy’s Diner will remain closed until further notice as Dan continues his recovery. The family says they are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and hope to reopen as soon as possible.

And while the griddle may be quiet for now, Stanfield says there’s one thing customers are already missing most: her grandmother’s butterscotch pie.

If you’re interested in donating to the Cooks, you can go to the GoFundMe page by clicking HERE.