Dudley's Diner, a longtime icon of Toledo's restaurant scene, will be sold to the highest bidder during an auction on Oct. 26.

The sale is a bank-ordered liquidation, said Pamela Rose of Pamela Rose Auction Co. LLC in Monclova Township.

Roger Turner, one of the restaurant's owners, declined to discuss financial details; the restaurant remains open.

"We've had some financial trouble with the economy," he said.

The auction will include the 3,000-square-foot Dudley's building, the restaurant fixtures and equipment, and the restaurant's menu, which features Dudley's Famous Hot Dog.

There is no minimum required bid.

Mr. Turner said he and his family have not yet decided whether to hand over Dudley's recipes, including its homemade chili sauce, to the highest bidder. The family hopes the new owner will keep the restaurant open and hire the diner's 8 to 10 employees.

"I think someone can do a great job with the restaurant," Mr. Turner said. "I would like to see it continue, whether they want to keep our name or put their name on it."

Dudley's, at 415 South Reynolds Rd., got its start in Toledo parks, where Mr. Turner's parents, Juanita and the late Dudley Turner, opened concession stands to sell hot dogs. They opened their first diner in 1955 at the current restaurant's location.

Dudley's Drive-In was razed to make way in 2000 for Dudley's Diner, a 1950s replica that sells coneys, hamburgers, milk shakes, and other diner fare.

Mr. Turner said his mother, who also is a co-owner, still manages the restaurant and serves customers.

"I think she's going to slow down a little," he said of Mrs. Turner's plans after the auction. "She works a lot of hours for someone who's 79."

Some potential buyers, Ms. Rose said, have expressed interest in the diner, though she declined to identify them.

Dudley's regular customers have expressed sadness about the diner's upcoming sale and the Turners' departure from the business, Mr. Turner said.

He's optimistic the new owner will make the transition smooth for the restaurant's loyal patrons.

"If they wish to, the place never really has to close," Mr. Turner said.

"They can just step in and keep it running."

Contact Sheena Harrison at:

sharrison@theblade.com

or 419-724-6103.

First Published October 15, 2010, 3:16 a.m.