25-02-2025
Beloved SF ‘Pancake Guy' dies unexpectedly
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A San Francisco man who became fondly known as the SF 'Pancake Guy' has died unexpectedly. According to a GoFundMe posted by his family, Curtis Kimball has passed away.
Curtis and his brother Brian Kimball, the fundraiser states, 'took San Francisco by storm in 2009 through the guerilla street food movement they started.' Curtis became most prominent in 2022 when he would host free pancake parties outside his Bernal Heights home.
Kennedy Center appearance for Bay Area performing arts group abruptly canceled
When KRON4 spoke to Curtis three years ago, he told us that reconnecting with neighbors following the pandemic was important. According to the GoFundMe, he started giving out free pancakes after his wife 'told him he was getting weird and needed to make some friends.'
'What started as a lighthearted way to make friends turned into a movement that earned him a new title of the 'Pancake Guy,' landed him on the Drew Barrymore Show, and a well-deserved feature in Upworthy's recent book, Good People,' the fundraiser said. He also did a cross country tour, doing pop-ups to serve free pancakes.
During a 2022 appearance on KRON4, Curtis left us with the advice to, 'Be the chocolate chip pancake you want to see in the world.'
According to the GoFundMe page, his death was unexpected. Curtis leaves behind his wife, their two daughters, and a baby boy that's expected this summer.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
