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…
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!
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…
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.
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.)
Never had the pleasure of eating at a Black Bear Diner, but did have a Sambo's in town for a while. I suspect they might have been one of the first casualties of wokeness.
Interesting comment about the possible influence of the Asian students; wouldn't be surprised if an enterprising student or new alumni started an Asian restaurant at the BBD location.
I think that there were two reasons for the closure: many more people in Davis have stopped going out to eat as often because of the inflation we are dealing with now. Also, half of the students at UCD are now Asian, and many of those students are children of wealth. Naturally, they like their native foods best. And they have convinced many Americans to enjoy Asian food.
I'll bet that if another restaurant takes over, it will be Asian.
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…
Beary bad news. Hopefully another good restaurant will take its place.
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!
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. :)
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.🥞
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.
Great memories beautifully written. Thanks Bob.
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.)
Never had the pleasure of eating at a Black Bear Diner, but did have a Sambo's in town for a while. I suspect they might have been one of the first casualties of wokeness.
Interesting comment about the possible influence of the Asian students; wouldn't be surprised if an enterprising student or new alumni started an Asian restaurant at the BBD location.
I think that there were two reasons for the closure: many more people in Davis have stopped going out to eat as often because of the inflation we are dealing with now. Also, half of the students at UCD are now Asian, and many of those students are children of wealth. Naturally, they like their native foods best. And they have convinced many Americans to enjoy Asian food.
I'll bet that if another restaurant takes over, it will be Asian.