After 24 Years, Dottie’s Owner Sells Business To New Owners

Dottie's True Blue Cafe owner Kurt “Dottie” Abney has finally found new owners for his beloved breakfast restaurant more than two years after announcing his intentions to sell it back in 2015. A public transfer of ownership application notice and a handwritten note from Abney, as observed by The Chronicle’s Paolo Lucchesi, held the news.

Abney’s (cursive) note identifies the new owners as a “young couple who love the business as much as I do,” and outlines a plan for a “seamless transition.” He’ll go from “working the line everyday to branding and product development.”

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A diamond in the rough on Sixth Street, nothing can dissuade customers from pancakes at Dottie’s, and hour-long lines typically form for brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Among Dottie’s fans are perfectionist chef Alton Brown and Diners Drive-Ins and Dives person Guy Fieri, who swears by the cornbread with chipotle jelly.

Abney bought his restaurant, a turnkey operation whose menu he initially maintained, when he was 32. Now he’s in his 50s and eager for a less rigorous lifestyle. In 2013, after 20 years at Dottie’s, Eater interviewed Abney about his experience.

“I've made some really great friends through the restaurant, and some people that live in different countries come here every year,” he said. “I've seen their children go from little tots to college age. It's pretty amazing having that kind of relationship with people, and people sending cards and letters over the years. People come up to you and tell you how much they appreciate what you do. That's the most rewarding for me.”

Aubrie Pick

• After 22 Years of Business, Dottie's True Blue Cafe Now Up For Sale [ESF]
• Kurt Abney on 20 Years at Dottie's True Blue Cafe [ESF]