In 1995, founders Bob & Laurie Manley, along with founding partner Bruce Dean, created the first Black Bear Diner in Mt. Shasta, California. In choosing a name and a theme for their restaurant, Bob, Laurie, and Bruce, immediately decided upon the black bear. It was a natural. The legendary black bear is native to the Mt. Shasta area, which was once known as Berryvale, due to the vast strawberry fields once enjoyed by bears and townspeople alike. The first Black Bear Diner sits on the site of these fields.

The Black Bear Diner reflects our founders' upbringing in small-town America. Their restaurant concept sprang from a desire to bring home-style cooking and personal service back to the dining experience. While the Black Bear Diner reflects their creativity and concern for quality, service and value, our concept is built upon many years of practical experience in a variety of business endeavors.