REDDING, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Black Bear Diner, the award-winning family dining concept headquartered in Redding, California announced today that it will open up four more restaurants in the western half of the United States by the end of 2015, increasing the concept’s footprint to 74 total units. The brand has a goal of 100 units by 2018; it has opened up two franchised and two corporate locations already in 2015.
“We’re staying true to our philosophy of slow and steady growth,” said Bruce Dean, co-founder of Black Bear Diner. “We still have an eye towards the east, but we’ve become very adept at leveraging our franchisee and corporate resources to infill western communities that are clamoring to have a Black Bear Diner restaurant.”
Black Bear Diner has experienced increased same-store-sales over the last 19 quarters and the brand growth is being fueled by a mix of new and existing franchisees in existing markets, as well as new corporate stores in newer markets. In 2016, the brand is projected to open up 14 new units – eight corporate locations and six franchised locations.
“We’re seeing strong investment in the brand on both the corporate and franchise side,” said Doug Branigan, vice president of franchising for Black Bear Diner. “The brand is resonating in new and existing markets and we are comfortable with letting the brand evolve slowly and steadily in these markets and beyond.”
To close out the year, Black Bear Diner will open up restaurants in Colorado Spring, CO, Danville, CA, Elk Grove, CA and Vancouver, WA. The Colorado Springs, Elk Grove and Vancouver locations will be owned and operated by existing franchisees; the Danville location is owned and operated by a new franchisee.
“We’re truly humbled by the growth,” continued Dean. “But more importantly, we’re humbled by the excitement and buzz we receive when we announce new stores. As we expand, it’s our job to sustain that level of excitement by delivering the comfort food classics, personal service and homey atmosphere that have become synonymous with Black Bear Diner.”
Black Bear Diner is an award-winning family dining concept offering bear-sized food portions at an excellent value, with locations spread across eight western states. All Black Bear Diner restaurants feature a unique bear-inspired and log-cabin theme, designed to remind guests of time when life was a little simpler and service and quality were the cornerstones of business.
About Black Bear Diner
Founded in Mt. Shasta, California in 1995 by Bruce Dean and partners Bob and Laurie Manley, Black Bear Diner was born from a desire to bring home-style comfort food classics and personal service back to the dining experience. The family dining concept offers a vast menu anchored on hearty portions and excellent value. The franchise has grown to 71 locations in eight western states. Black Bear Diner was recognized in 2015 by Franchise Times as one of the smartest growing brands. For a full menu and additional information, please visit blackbeardiner.com or connect with Black Bear Diner on Facebook.com/BlackBearDiner or Twitter.com/BlackBearDiner.
