I met my husband on a blind date with a group of graduate students from UCD. We started at Stroups Hatchery in Woodland for pizza and beer, stayed up all night and finished with breakfast at Sambos. In May we will have been married for 45 years. The food must have been good!
We can recall eating at Sambo’s too as we first lived in Davis 1971-73 while I was stationed at Travis AFB. Since moving back to Davis in 2009, our extended family has dined at BBD more times than I can count for birthdays, graduation ceremonies etc. This is a huge loss to Davis. Very sad…
My favorite place, Mary and Ro. Perfect for family celebrations with food for everyone's tastes.
A couple of the kids and I went there this morning for a final breakfast and I was exceedingly happy to learn from several employees that they are all being relocated to other Black Bear Diners in the immediate vicinity.
I really don’t understand why they are closing. Obviously there must be financial reasons. There seems to be an over abundance of other types of cuisine here in town, but not much of a selection of ‘Cracker Barrel’ type comfort food. IHOP? Crepeville? Cafe B?
You know this stuff better than anyone alive: I say the three most likely replacements are 1) a chain coffee shop, 2) boba tea house or 3) a UC Davis office building. Thirty years ago, the top three would have been 1) pizza place, 2) taqueria, 3) realtor's office
We had our pregame meals at Sambo’s in the early 70s. Always steak by Coach Ham’s edict. Ice cream was forbidden. Ham would have a cow if he saw a player with ice cream.
There are plenty of Black Bear Diners in Colorado, ready for when the Ags have an away game at Air Force.
There's a Black Bear Diner off of I80-W at West El Camino ... not as scenic as Shasta, but one can remanence with the first bite of that pancake on a date with Daddy-o Bob.
"While founders Sam Battistone and Newell Bohnett claimed the title incorporated parts of both their names, the association with the children’s book, The Story of Little Black Sambo was undeniable." There was sort of an African jungle safari motif, so that didn't help their claim.
Sambo's/Seasons/Black Bear Diner was the last place in Davis that I can recall separate sections for smoking and non-smoking guests, too. Not that it was THE last, just the last place I visited with such a room. Any time I go to a restaurant that has separate dining rooms, I just assume that's a leftover from the days of smoking sections.
I had no idea why it was called that, then wasn't it Denny's, then Black Bear? Having a business in Davis is tough, seen so many come and go, though I have fellow DHS graduate friends who have been successsful all these years. Long may Joe Singleton live in our memories!
Way back when there was even a BBD in Alturas! It took over from Jerry’s, another fine nostalgic diner. Will miss the iconic breakfasts and hope another diner comes in.
Alturas, Shirley? One of my favorite places on God's Green Earth. Down home folks making a living on the high desert. One of the unknown treasures of Northern California.
My husband was born and raised there and I moved there with my family when I was in HS. We moved down here about 40 years ago but went back up several times a year to see our parents. Our kids loved the Fandango Day celebrations and spending Christmas in the snow. A good place to be from! (I’m an Oregonian at heart so I’ve always loved reading about you growing up there.)
My son Joe is a server at Black Bear. Has been since day one. For some of the hired help the closing is dramatic. I think that happens with every business. I do hope another restaurant gives the site a go.
Thanks Bob I think both actually. His feet from his server duties and his paws from the many times he donned the "Biscuit Bear" costume. If you ever saw the Bear costume in Central or Community Park then my son Joe was on the inside. He was not allowed to talk to anyone. From what I understand a common mascot rule. (He talked to his parents of course but kept it very low key)
Today's a sad day in the Fenimore household, since BBD is our Charlie's very favorite restaurant. Since we lived down the road a'piece from Mt. Shasta for many years, we would make frequent visits to their original location, much to our little guy's joy. He can't comprehend the fact that his special place will no longer be open when he gets a hankerin' for a bacon cheeseburger and fries, especially on the way to UCD football games for a two-man tailgate party with Dad.) His fresh grief is compounded by the fact that he's still in mourning over the closing of his beloved downtown Starbucks (which his day program folks visited twice a week and felt like home to them.) So, if you see a forlorn-looking earth angel around town dressed in mourning attire, you'll understand why. :)
A great piece, in a tip of the cap to the many iterations of this local institution, Bob. I only ate at the Davis location a couple of times…as I usually had to park about 10 blocks away—leaving only time for a cup o’ joe.
I first experienced BBD when seeking a mental health break off I-5, in early 90’s Yreka, after receiving a speeding ticket…the kids were delighted for the pause, as well. Many years later, we would join my parents as they frequented the BBD in my hometown, just a couple blocks from their house (that location also having gone through the Sambo’s, Baker’s Square evolution)…we joined them many a time for a memorable breakfast and conversation…
I feel like I'm gonna cry . . . we ate there last week for old time's sake. Had a Christmas dinner there one year too (long story), and I remember exactly where the button fell off my brand new red sweater. Thanks for all the memories, Black Bear Diner. (Although we rarely seem to remember that one portion and an appetizer would be PLENTY for two people.)
I met my husband on a blind date with a group of graduate students from UCD. We started at Stroups Hatchery in Woodland for pizza and beer, stayed up all night and finished with breakfast at Sambos. In May we will have been married for 45 years. The food must have been good!
That's a wonderful story, Shelley. Must have been the maple syrup that glued you together.
We can recall eating at Sambo’s too as we first lived in Davis 1971-73 while I was stationed at Travis AFB. Since moving back to Davis in 2009, our extended family has dined at BBD more times than I can count for birthdays, graduation ceremonies etc. This is a huge loss to Davis. Very sad…
My favorite place, Mary and Ro. Perfect for family celebrations with food for everyone's tastes.
A couple of the kids and I went there this morning for a final breakfast and I was exceedingly happy to learn from several employees that they are all being relocated to other Black Bear Diners in the immediate vicinity.
I really don’t understand why they are closing. Obviously there must be financial reasons. There seems to be an over abundance of other types of cuisine here in town, but not much of a selection of ‘Cracker Barrel’ type comfort food. IHOP? Crepeville? Cafe B?
Beary bad news. Hopefully another good restaurant will take its place.
It certainly filled a need for a wide variety of people. Always made me happy to be in that place.
You know this stuff better than anyone alive: I say the three most likely replacements are 1) a chain coffee shop, 2) boba tea house or 3) a UC Davis office building. Thirty years ago, the top three would have been 1) pizza place, 2) taqueria, 3) realtor's office
30 years ago would have included frozen yogurt.
I'm thinking a 24-hour coffee shop chain, of which there are many, not none nearly as charming as Black Bear.
We had our pregame meals at Sambo’s in the early 70s. Always steak by Coach Ham’s edict. Ice cream was forbidden. Ham would have a cow if he saw a player with ice cream.
There are plenty of Black Bear Diners in Colorado, ready for when the Ags have an away game at Air Force.
err ... it must have been late 70's because Sambo's occupied the space in the early 70's ... many of my UCD Coed friends worked there.
I can see Ham having a cow about ice cream, to use the lingo of the day.
I went to many post-game diners on the road with Ham when we were in the old Far Western Conference, where you were a superstar, Len. Miss those days.
thanks for the back scratcher pod and anytime you want to take a ride up to shasta count me in 🐻 🥞
There's a Black Bear Diner off of I80-W at West El Camino ... not as scenic as Shasta, but one can remanence with the first bite of that pancake on a date with Daddy-o Bob.
"While founders Sam Battistone and Newell Bohnett claimed the title incorporated parts of both their names, the association with the children’s book, The Story of Little Black Sambo was undeniable." There was sort of an African jungle safari motif, so that didn't help their claim.
Sambo's/Seasons/Black Bear Diner was the last place in Davis that I can recall separate sections for smoking and non-smoking guests, too. Not that it was THE last, just the last place I visited with such a room. Any time I go to a restaurant that has separate dining rooms, I just assume that's a leftover from the days of smoking sections.
Yes, it was literally the "back room" at Sambo's.
Great memories beautifully written. Thanks Bob.
Thanks, Arnie.
It was a special place for so many people.
Oh no! How sad😔
Another one bites the dust, well in Davis that is. Just have to go to Woodland, when I visit home.
Yep, Woodland here we come
I had no idea why it was called that, then wasn't it Denny's, then Black Bear? Having a business in Davis is tough, seen so many come and go, though I have fellow DHS graduate friends who have been successsful all these years. Long may Joe Singleton live in our memories!
Pretty sure it was never a Denny's.
Yes, Joe Singleton was the best. A great friend and mentor.
Way back when there was even a BBD in Alturas! It took over from Jerry’s, another fine nostalgic diner. Will miss the iconic breakfasts and hope another diner comes in.
Alturas, Shirley? One of my favorite places on God's Green Earth. Down home folks making a living on the high desert. One of the unknown treasures of Northern California.
My husband was born and raised there and I moved there with my family when I was in HS. We moved down here about 40 years ago but went back up several times a year to see our parents. Our kids loved the Fandango Day celebrations and spending Christmas in the snow. A good place to be from! (I’m an Oregonian at heart so I’ve always loved reading about you growing up there.)
God has richly blessed anyone from Oregon, Shirley
(Alturas is almost Oregon).
We love the one on Arden Way in Sacramento.
There are nearby options, Brenda, but none that you can bicycle to conveniently.
Black Bear Diner has the best line-up of nostalgic Salad Entrees.
Indeed.
My son Joe is a server at Black Bear. Has been since day one. For some of the hired help the closing is dramatic. I think that happens with every business. I do hope another restaurant gives the site a go.
Joe was a stalwart. I'm sure he'll land on his feet. Or paws.
Thanks Bob I think both actually. His feet from his server duties and his paws from the many times he donned the "Biscuit Bear" costume. If you ever saw the Bear costume in Central or Community Park then my son Joe was on the inside. He was not allowed to talk to anyone. From what I understand a common mascot rule. (He talked to his parents of course but kept it very low key)
Today's a sad day in the Fenimore household, since BBD is our Charlie's very favorite restaurant. Since we lived down the road a'piece from Mt. Shasta for many years, we would make frequent visits to their original location, much to our little guy's joy. He can't comprehend the fact that his special place will no longer be open when he gets a hankerin' for a bacon cheeseburger and fries, especially on the way to UCD football games for a two-man tailgate party with Dad.) His fresh grief is compounded by the fact that he's still in mourning over the closing of his beloved downtown Starbucks (which his day program folks visited twice a week and felt like home to them.) So, if you see a forlorn-looking earth angel around town dressed in mourning attire, you'll understand why. :)
Wow. Have Charlie try Pachamama. They'll treat him like family.
We'll check it out--thanks, Bob. Sounds like good medicine.
Ask for Mick
You mean Mick Dunning, Photographer Extraordinaire? Will do...
Yes indeed
Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen…BBD.
A great piece, in a tip of the cap to the many iterations of this local institution, Bob. I only ate at the Davis location a couple of times…as I usually had to park about 10 blocks away—leaving only time for a cup o’ joe.
I first experienced BBD when seeking a mental health break off I-5, in early 90’s Yreka, after receiving a speeding ticket…the kids were delighted for the pause, as well. Many years later, we would join my parents as they frequented the BBD in my hometown, just a couple blocks from their house (that location also having gone through the Sambo’s, Baker’s Square evolution)…we joined them many a time for a memorable breakfast and conversation…
Thanks for this nostalgia-triggering tour, Bob.🥞
Have been to the one in Yreka, Bill. That stretch of I-5 is an easy place to get a speeding ticket.
The great part about BBD, is you could be taken there in a blindfold, and once inside it could be any one of their locations…🤣👍🏼
I feel like I'm gonna cry . . . we ate there last week for old time's sake. Had a Christmas dinner there one year too (long story), and I remember exactly where the button fell off my brand new red sweater. Thanks for all the memories, Black Bear Diner. (Although we rarely seem to remember that one portion and an appetizer would be PLENTY for two people.)
Yes, indeed, their portion remained heroic, even as costs went up