The Abbey Finds New Owner Within West Hollywood LGBTQ Community

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — The Abbey's founder is handing over the keys of the iconic gay bar to a new owner in what they say will be a seamless transition.

David Cooley, founder of The Abbey Food & Bar and The Chapel, is selling his three-decade-old business to West Hollywood entrepreneur Tristan Schukraft. The sale is expected to be finalized with in a few months, they announced together Wednesday.

"I've spent half my life here, meeting incredible people and seeing how The Abbey has been a place of happiness and acceptance for so many. Now, it's time for someone new to lead," Cooley said in a statement. "Tristan has been coming here for years. He gets what The Abbey means to people. I trust him to look after our community, our guests, and our team. Plus, I'm sure he's going to throw some great parties."

Cooley earlier this year sought offers for The Abbey, the adjacent Chapel, the business, brand and trademarks.

Schukraft will add The Abbey to his business portfolio that includes LGBTQ-focused telemedicine platform MISTR and the Puerto Rico queer hotel Tryst and nightclub Circo.

"I’m excited to build on the legacy that David Cooley created over the last 33 years at The Abbey. David built a small coffee shop on an unknown side street, into one of the most famous gay bars in the country, if not the world. This is both an honor and a significant responsibility,”Schukraft said. “I plan to respect and honor The Abbey’s history while bringing new ideas that reflect our evolving LGBTQ+ community and my personal approach to hospitality. We’re not just maintaining a legacy business and an international landmark; we’re adding to the future of LGBTQ+ nightlife.”

Cooley and Schukraft said the ownership transition will be seamless; The Abbey's longtime management team will remain in place and its schedule of events will continue as planned.