Community
Bears Give Back
Black Bear Diner is firmly committed to supporting the communities we serve on local, national and international levels. We regularly partner with local non-profit organizations as well as Make-A-Wish of America® and, through our Bears Brew Back program, fund projects to improve the lives of the Nicaraguan communities that grow our delicious coffee.
Bears in the News
Black Bear Diner is a fast-growing, community-oriented, family dining concept that offers great food in a fun, bear-themed atmosphere. Born from a desire to bring home-style comfort food classics and personal service back to the dining experience, the brand is strategically growing its national footprint.
In 2017, Nation’s Restaurant News highlighted the brand as a “disruptor” in the family dining market, noting market share gains against numerous legacy brands, while Franchise Times ranked it as #242 on its Next 300 Franchises to Watch in 2017 list.
Founded
1995 in Mount Shasta, California
Total Locations
160 diners
Number of States
13 states
Best-Selling Menu Item
Chicken Fried Steak
Bears at our Diners
Every diner features custom artwork from the inside out. Our co-founder Bob Manley, himself a sculptor and art enthusiast, wanted to share the sweeping Mt. Shasta landscapes we call home — while making diners feel at home, too.
The unique and clever bear carvings reflect the local flavor of each diner. You’ll find bears as skiers, fighter pilots, grape-stompers and more. Ray Schulz, our chainsaw-wielding mastermind, has carved around 4,000 of these bears. If you’re looking for a carved bear of your own, contact him at 509.276.9504.
Sweeping, colorful, bear-mottled murals, created by the dynamic duo of Steve and Gary Fitzgerald of Mt. Shasta, are also a staple at every diner. In addition to the Fitzgerald’s art, we feature mural art by Colleen Mitchell-Veyna, whose work often inspires a mix of awe and awwwww.
Bear Opportunities
If you love the Black Bear Diner brand and would like to serve others with spirit and integrity, we’d like to meet you.
Black Bear Diner is actively seeking experienced franchise operators whose passion, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit reflect our founders’ mentality.
