Tristan Schukraft on the red carpet of The 35th Anniversary Celebration of THE ABBEY in West Hollywood. CA. ©FRF/Pacific Rim Video Press. CR: Peter Gonzaga.
By Peter Gonzaga and Chris Trondsen
West Hollywood — Long time patrons, community leaders and celebrities gathered on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the landmark gay bar and restaurant, The Abbey. Opening the pink carpet was owner Tristan Schukraft.
Founded in 1991 by David Cooley, The Abbey has grown from a neighborhood venue into an internationally recognized nightlife destination. In 2024, Cooley sold the business and its real estate assets for $45 million to tech and hospitality entrepreneur Tristan Schukraft. Tristan has continued the legacy of The Abbey continuing with the grand anniversary pink carpet party as crowds packed the restaurant’s patio and inside its dining and bar areas dancing to celebrity guest DJ’s including Melanie C of The Spice Girls and RuPaul while hot go-go dancers were moving to the beats.
Schukraft said, “It’s such a huge milestone for The Abbey. I’ve only owned it for a couple of years so tonight is a great night for me but I hope it’s a great night for David Cooley who opened this in 1991 as a coffee shop and what it has transformed into what it has come to be.”
Tristan added that continuing the legacy of the institution is important for the future of the LGBTQ community as The Abbey has hosted various events to commemorate milestones in the community such as the passage of the Marriage Equality Act.
Helping to celebrate in the legacy of The Abbey included appearances from major LGBTQ+ and entertainment figures including Cara Delevingne, Chelsea Handler, Gabrielle Union, Nicole Scherzinger, Nene Leakes, Carmen Electra, Jodie Sweetin, Simon Rex, Tia Carrere, Chris Colfer and Thora Birch. Surprise guests included Christina Aguilera.
The biggest highlight performance of the night featured a Spice Girls tribute performance from drag superstars Aquaria (Posh), Trinity the Tuck (Ginger), Heidi N Closet (Scary), Vanjie (Sporty) and Sugar (Baby) while Melanie C of The Spice Girls cheered on.
The Abbey hopes to celebrate another 35 years with more events for the LGBTQ community and place for everyone to eat or grab a drink while feeling safe to be themselves.
