Community
Community
![The Black Bear Diner Mission](https://blackbeardiner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bears-Give-Back_1.jpg)
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.
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Founded
1995 in Mount Shasta, California
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Total Locations
161 diners
![](http://blackbearwp.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/store-image-DAVI.jpg)
Number of States
13 states
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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
![Careers](/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/BBSmilingStaff.jpg)
![Learn About Franchising](/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/store-image-MODE.jpg)