In 1861 a gold prospector by the name of Sisson fell in love with Strawberry Valley - a quaint mountain meadow at the foot of Mt. Shasta in far northern California. He opened an inn near the town now called Mt. Shasta City. This inn overlooked the wild berry patches nearby that were frequented by both black bears and people alike. Tired travelers soon became aware of Sisson's fabulous hospitality and the inn became a well-known stopover. Large portions of quality food in an interesting and friendly atmosphere became the standard that people expected on their visits.
In 1995, Bob and Laurie Manley, along with their partner Bruce Dean, opened the first Black Bear Diner on the site of the old strawberry patches near Mt. Shasta. They were determined to rekindle the level of hospitality that was lavished upon early guests to Strawberry Valley. The menu, service and decor were designed to remind the guest of a time when life was a little more simple, and service and quality were the cornerstones of business. The owners feel great satisfaction that after one hundred years, the black bears again look over Strawberry Valley.
In January of 2002, SunWest Restaurant Concepts was busy growing and developing the Black Bear Diner concept throughout California, Nevada and Oregon. It’s principles, David Doty, Robin Yoshimura, and Chuck Riske, continued to convert old concept buildings into new Black Bear Diners and bring these stagnant buildings back to life!
At that time, a soon to be shut down Lyon’s Restaurant building was becoming available in Gilroy, California, adjacent to the Forest Park Inn. The property was owned and developed by Tony Sammut and Family, and operated by son George. Replacing the restaurant tenant was crucial to the success of the Inn, and to ensure this, George wanted to participate in the new operation, which would take over the existing building.
Having good knowledge of the Black Bear Diner Concept, and a prior business relationship with Sun West Restaurant Concepts, Black Bear Diner was a sure fit for this vacant building, the Forest Park Inn, and the City of Gilroy. A partnership was then formed between the Sunwest Boys, and George Sammut, and Black Bear Diner West Inc. began a journey that would soon become a multi-unit operation of Black Bear Diners in the Santa Clara, San Benito and Monterey County regions. Gilroy opened its doors for business on April 8, 2002. In April of 2003, the Salinas Black Bear Diner re-opened under the BBD West flag, and in June the same year, Carmel opened its doors.
David, Robin, Chuck and George remain extremely busy. With Monterey, the concepts first ground up unit under construction in July of 2005, and constant care of their existing operations, there is never a dull moment. Along with the founders Bob Manley and Bruce Dean, the West boys are also very active as shareholders in the Franchise Company, Black Bear Diner Inc. Development of new franchisees and new franchise stores is something they all stay very active and involved in. It is with this personal committment from each of them that Black Bear Diner grows bigger and stronger each year!
At Black Bear Diner, our mission is to be the pre-eminent family dining concept,
providing excellent food and value, served in a fun, uniquely bear themed atmosphere,
by friendly, committed and knowledgeable employees.
Our values are as follows:
- To be a company of integrity that believes in a win/win outlook in all that we do.
- To be a company that values the contributions and hard work of all of our employees.
- To be a company that truly values each and every customer.
- To be a company of passion and energy, which creates a fun but professional atmosphere.
- To be a company that stands for excellence in all we do, down to the last detail.
- To be a company that celebrates the best in being human.