Davis’ Black Bear Diner going into permanent hibernation
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Can you bear it? After nearly 17 years, the Black Bear Diner in Davis will serve its last giant stack of pancakes on Sunday, March 29, employees confirm.
The restaurant, known for its hearty, all-day breakfasts, opened in Davis in May 2009, filling the former Baker’s Square space at 255 Second St., at Second and B streets.
According to its website, the Redding-based chain has 153 restaurants in 14 states, with two new eateries planned for Texas and one in Tennessee. The closest one to Davis is at 1530 E. Main St. in Woodland, which seems to be safe for now. About half of the newer locations are franchised. At least one other Black Bear Diner, in Midwest City, Okla., is also closing at the end of this month.
According to its website, the chain opened 10 new locations in 2022, seven in 2023 and planned 14 in 2024, when it posted the update. At the time, it counted 156 locations, but is now down to 153, not counting the ones closing this month. It is owned by private equity firm GreyLion.
The company says it remains committed to its full-service dining model, in contrast to the popular fast-and-fresh, order-at-the counter concept. Many restaurants are moving away from the full-service model to save labor costs.
The Davis diner’s hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. if you want to swipe a bite before it closes.