The Stable, a longtime Eaton gathering spot, is entering a new chapter under owners who know the community well. The Doty family — Craig II and Jessica Doty, along with their sons Craig III and Jacob — have officially taken over the Preble County landmark, keeping the business in local hands and rooted in the place they call home.
Craig and Jessica, both Preble Shawnee graduates, first met in choir class in 1989. They married at the West Alexandria gazebo in 1994 and returned to the area a few years later to raise their family. Craig brings three decades of experience in financial and real estate industries and now works as a certified general appraiser. Jessica, known for her outgoing personality, has spent 27 years teaching elementary students.
Their sons will also play a role. Jacob, who holds a degree in high performance motorsports, builds 5,000 horsepower pulling tractors at Gene’s Machine Shop and plans to bring that same drive to the family business. CJ, currently studying psychiatry at Miami University, will help out behind the bar when he’s home.
The Dotys say they want to return The Stable to its roots as a relaxed, family-friendly hangout where neighbors can unwind and reconnect. The goal is simple: uphold small-town values, celebrate long-standing traditions, and offer a welcoming space for anyone who walks through the door.
