Becky Portner and her son, Nick Portner, will be taking over the restaurant effective Jan. 1. The two will be taking over for owner Herb Knutson.

Becky Portner is currently the general manager of 209 Pub and was the general manager at its predecessor, The Lamplighter. She has a combined 31 years of experience working at the two restaurants. Nick Portner has a similar connection with the business; he was technical helping in the restaurant since he was 5.

The plan to have the Portners take on ownership of 209 Pub began last year. Becky Portner said Knutson talked to her about becoming a co-owner of the business last January. She agreed to become a 49% owner with Knutson as the 51% owner. Later in the year, Knutson spoke with Nick about also coming on as an owner.

“It’s the perfect situation,” Knutson said, “A mother and son taking over.”

Herb Knutson (center) will no longer be the owner of 209 Pub & Grill. As of Jan. 2026, General Manager Becky Portner (left) and her son Nick Portner (right) will own the business.

Knutson said he is trying to slow down on work. In addition to 209 Pub, he is the owner of the Kaiserhoff. Instead of owning two restaurants, he has decided to sell one, 209 Pub and continue running Kaiserhoff.

Becky Portner said even though Knutson will no longer be the owner, he will be around as an advisor if they have any questions, though Knutson is confident the Portners can run the restaurant on their own.

“It’s going to good hands,” Knutson said. “[Becky’s] been here longer than I have by a long way.”

Portner said she first began working at the Lamplighter when it was owned by Gary Landerville, then later by his son Brian Landerville. In June 2018, Knutson owned the Lamplighter until the fire on Sept. 2, 2022.

Portner said it would have been easy for Knutson to move on, but shortly after the fire, he called her up and said he was buying the former Sozial building at 209 S. Minnesota Street. In a month’s time, Knutson and Portner were able to resurrect the Lamplighter at 209 Pub, bringing with them much of the same staff.

Becky and Nick agreed that one of the best parts of working at Lamplighter and 209 Pub is the staff, which has remained consistent over the years.

“They are supportive, fun to work with and they know their jobs,” Becky Portner said.

Nick Portner said another great part of working in the restaurant is the community support. He said after the Lamplighter fire, there were so many people in New Ulm who helped them restart at 209.

Looking to the future, the Portners said they do not intend to change the business very much. Customers will likely not notice a difference when they take over on Jan. 1. The staff will be the same and the menu will remain the same. Becky said she will continue to work on the floor of the restaurant taking orders.

Nick said there could be some additional specials on Monday and Wednesday or possibly a monthly feature, but any changes will likely be gradual.

The Portners agree they would like to bring more community events to their end of Minnesota Street. This year they will not be hosting an Arctic Plunge event, but intend to bring it back in 2026 with possible other events.

“We’re going to do a little bit at a time,” Becky said “And we can still ask Herb for advice.”

Knutson said he is comfortable with the Portners taking over and believes they will bring new ideas to 209 Pub & Grill.

He said 209 Pub has been active in the New Ulm community and going forward, under the Portners’ leadership, it will remain active in the community.