California-based restaurant chain Black Bear Diner is expanding into Palmdale, located at 40026 10th St.
The new 7,445 square-foot location will move into the former home of Souplantation in Spring or Summer 2022. The restaurant is owned by Elite Diners LLC, with Vice President Jerry Mercer overseeing operations. Black Bear Diner currently has six locations in the county, with the next closest being in Valencia. The company now has over 146 locations across 14 states, including its newest location in Ventura, which opened earlier this month.
Recently, Black Bear Diner signed a multi-deal agreement to add at least six more locations throughout Texas, including Mesquite, Fort Worth, Pasadena, Harker Heights, and McAllen. The company currently has nine operating locations in Texas, with the majority of them being in the suburbs of Houston.
Along with company-owned locations, Black Bear Diner has signed several development deals with longtime franchise partners, including Elite Group, SB Diner, Puget Sound Bears Inc., and National Restaurants Inc., to identify and construct several new franchise locations in California, Washington, Texas, and Arizona. The company expects to open approximately 29 new franchise locations by the end of 2024.
“Our founders built Black Bear Diner as a unique space where people can gather and enjoy a delicious meal together in a relaxing and fun environment,” CEO Anita Adams said in a press release. “That sense of community and connection remains a core part of who we are today and extends to our fantastic franchise owners and development partners. We’re thrilled and honored to be growing in lockstep with our franchisees and look forward to bringing along new partners.”