5 days ago
Doo-Dah Diner owners sell as they face health challenge
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — One of Wichita's more popular restaurants is changing hands as the owners deal with health challenges. Founders Patrick and Timirie Shibley decided to sell the diner due to chef Patrick's stage 4 prostate cancer.
The new owners will be long-time customers Jeff and Jay Miller and their partner, Pat Reilly.
The transfer of ownership will happen on Monday, June 16, the day after the restaurant hosts a Father's Day Feast of Kings buffet on Sunday, June 15.
On Saturday, June 14, there will be a 'Shibley Sendoff.' Customers are invited for a special buffet spread. Guests are encouraged to drop by for a hug and to share well-wishes along with their favorite Doo-Dah Diner memories with the Shibleys.
Complete closure of I-135 in north Wichita
The Shibleys opened Doo-Dah Diner in 2012. It quickly developed a strong following for its made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch dishes, its customer service, and its retro vibe.
'Doo-Dah Diner isn't just a restaurant – it is an extension of who we are,' Patrick said in a news release. 'Every dish is rooted in love, every detail mattered, and nothing made us happier than watching someone's eyes light up with the first bite. That joy – that connection – is why we worked so hard. Pleasing people wasn't a goal. It was the reason we opened the doors every morning for 12 years.'
'We packed a lifetime of memories into the 13 years we owned this treasure,' Timirie said. 'Our moms sat together in a booth and rolled silverware while telling stories. Our daughters literally grew up working in the restaurant. I even hired my ex-husband to help manage the front of house.'
The future owners, Jeff and Jay Miller and their partner Pat Reilly, also own and operate the three Wichita-area Five Guys Burgers & Fries restaurants.
'We are deeply honored to continue Patrick and Timirie's vision for Doo-Dah Diner,' Jeff Miller said. 'The diner is a place that means so much to so many people, including us. We are committed to preserving the warmth, the flavor, and the atmosphere that everyone loves about Doo-Dah. We've been in the restaurant training under Patrick and Timirie for the past several weeks so that the ownership transition will be seamless.'
The diner has also made news for all the celebrities who stop in when they visit town, including actors Harrison Ford and Henry Winkler, Long Island Medium Theresa Caputo, ESPN play-by-play broadcasters, and traveling artists with Music Theatre Wichita.
'This diner isn't just a restaurant – it's a gathering place, and we can't wait to continue that tradition,' Jay Miller said.
The Shibleys plan to do some traveling and connect with loved ones as they 'De-Doo-Dah' their lives.
They want to start a podcast for friends and fans to follow their post-diner adventures. Look for @doodahmom on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Timirie will continue her DooDads permanent jewelry business that she and long-time diner employee Laura Shoemake have operated for nearly three years. Look for @doodadsict on social media.
For those who wish to follow along with Patrick's health journey, visit his Caring Bridge page.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
