Is Shari’s going out of business? Yes, Know the Facts
“Is Shari’s going out of business?” is a question many are asking as the once-iconic Shari’s Cafe & Pies has faced significant challenges recently. Founded in 1978, Shari’s was known for its cozy atmosphere, famous pies, and all-day dining across the Pacific Northwest.
However, a mix of financial instability, tax liens, and legal issues led to a series of rapid closures throughout 2024, with many locations shutting down abruptly. This beloved family dining chain, once a staple in the Northwest, now stands on the brink of permanent closure, leaving its loyal customers in uncertainty.
The Beginning of Shari’s Cafe & Pies
Shari’s Cafe & Pies was founded in 1978 in Hermiston, Oregon, by Ron and Sharon “Shari” Bergquist. Ron, an architect, and Shari, a skilled home cook, aimed to create a cozy, welcoming diner.
They designed the restaurant with a unique six-sided building style to let in natural light, creating a bright, open feel. The layout kept diners close to the kitchen, providing a homestyle atmosphere where families, friends, and solo diners felt welcome.
The Rise in Popularity: Comfort Food and Signature Pies
Shari’s quickly became known for its “Northwest comfort food,” especially its selection of fresh pies. The menu featured diner favorites like country-fried steak, meatloaf, and hearty burgers, but it was the pies that stole the show.
Popular pies included marionberry, chocolate cream, and banana cream, all baked fresh on-site. Many customers visited specifically for the pies, and the restaurant often had a delightful, bakery-like aroma, enhancing its charm.
Shari’s pies became so popular that people would often stop in just for a slice or even a whole pie to take home.
Shari’s – A 24-Hour Gathering Place for All Ages
One of Shari’s unique features was its 24-hour service, making it a go-to spot for night owls, travelers, high school students, and families. It became a popular late-night hangout, one of the few places where you could grab a coffee, slice of pie, or even a full breakfast at any hour.
This round-the-clock availability made Shari’s a dependable gathering place, adding to its reputation as a comforting and welcoming space for all ages.
Expansion Across the Northwest
By the mid-1980s, Shari’s had expanded to over 30 locations, and in 1985, it was sold to new corporate owners, helping it grow even further. The chain continued to expand, reaching nearly 100 locations across Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, and other Western states.
Despite its growth, Shari’s maintained its family-friendly, comforting vibe, building a loyal customer base that valued its Northwest identity and dependable service.
Legacy of Northwest Hospitality and Comfort
For more than four decades, Shari’s became an iconic part of the Northwest’s dining culture. Known for its homestyle meals, famous pies, and welcoming, always-open atmosphere, Shari’s earned a place in the hearts of locals and travelers alike.
With its comforting food, relaxed vibe, and reputation as a regional gathering spot, Shari’s remained a beloved dining institution in the Northwest for years.
Is Shari’s Going Out of Business? Reasons for Shari’s Closure
Yes, Shari’s Cafe & Pies is going out of business after a long struggle with financial troubles, poor business choices, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This iconic family dining chain, once the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, has shut down all its locations in Oregon and is on the brink of a full shutdown.
Financial Instability and Debt
Over the years, Shari’s faced growing financial problems, which were worsened by questionable business decisions. The chain tried to expand rapidly, but with high operating costs and slow returns, it began to run out of money.
During 2024, Shari’s received tax liens and multiple lawsuits for unpaid bills, which are signs of a company struggling to keep up with its obligations. As a result, when people ask, “Is Shari’s going out of business?” the answer points to these deep-rooted money issues that it couldn’t overcome.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Like many other restaurants, Shari’s was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced temporary closures and reduced indoor dining.
Even after restrictions eased, customer numbers didn’t fully recover. Many people switched to takeout and delivery or stopped dining out as often due to economic concerns.
This decline in customers put a big dent in Shari’s profits, worsening its financial state. For a chain that relies on casual, dine-in experiences, the effects of the pandemic were severe. Therefore, when people wonder, “Is Shari’s going out of business?” the pandemic’s lasting effects are a major part of the answer.
Dependence on Gambling Revenue
Shari’s was also dependent on revenue from its video poker terminals, which brought in millions yearly. However, in 2024, Shari’s fell behind on its payments to the Oregon Lottery, accumulating a debt of $900,000.
The Oregon Lottery eventually had to cut off Shari’s access to gambling revenue, which removed a major income stream and left the company in deeper trouble. For anyone asking, “Is Shari’s going out of business?” this loss of gambling revenue played a major role in pushing Shari’s further into financial trouble.
Changing Ownership and Management Issues
Shari’s went through many ownership and management changes over the years, which disrupted its stability. From its founding in 1978 by Ron and Shari Bergquist, the chain expanded rapidly.
However, after being sold in 1985, Shari’s was often passed around to different corporate owners and underwent leadership changes that shifted its focus and style. In 2018, Shari’s even acquired Coco’s and Carrows, two struggling California-based chains, in a risky move to expand further.
These frequent changes left Shari’s without clear direction or consistent management. This history of unstable leadership answers part of why people are now asking, “Is Shari’s going out of business?”
Loss of Loyal Customers
Shari’s was a beloved spot for many Northwest residents, especially teens and families who saw it as a dependable, affordable option. Yet, as the company struggled to appeal to younger generations without losing its classic feel, it began to lose touch with some of its loyal customers.
Management’s attempt to rebrand Shari’s with a “Northwest” theme and refreshed menu in 2018 was a small success, but it wasn’t enough to draw new customers or bring back all the old regulars. This gradual loss of loyal customers is another reason Shari’s couldn’t keep going, providing another answer to “Is Shari’s going out of business?”
Closure of Other Similar Restaurants
Shari’s closures are also part of a broader trend of casual dining chains struggling or shutting down across the country. In Bend, Oregon, for instance, other well-known spots like IHOP and Black Bear Diner closed recently.
Many traditional family restaurants are facing increased competition from fast-casual and takeout-only dining options, which are often more convenient for customers today. This shift in dining habits makes it harder for traditional chains like Shari’s to stay in business.
In conclusion, for anyone asking, “Is Shari’s going out of business?” the answer is yes. The combination of financial troubles, pandemic effects, lost gambling revenue, shifting management and competition from other types of dining options have all contributed to its closure.
Despite being a familiar and beloved dining choice in the Northwest for decades, Shari’s ultimately couldn’t keep up with the changes and challenges in the restaurant industry.
Is there any possibility for Shari’s to make a comeback?
Yes, there are possibilities for Shari’s Cafe & Pies to make a comeback if certain steps are taken to address the challenges the restaurant is currently facing. Here’s a detailed look at the ways Shari’s could potentially revive its presence:
1. Restructuring Finances and Reducing Debts
One of Shari’s primary challenges has been dealing with accumulated debts and financial difficulties, partly from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To make a comeback, Shari’s would need a financial restructuring plan to reduce debt, negotiate better terms with creditors, and manage cash flow more effectively.
With reduced financial pressure, the restaurant chain could reinvest in its operations, making it easier to focus on growth and customer satisfaction.
2. Leveraging Its Nostalgic Brand Appeal
Shari’s has been a staple in the Northwest for decades, with many loyal customers who fondly remember it as a place for family gatherings, hearty meals, and late-night pie cravings.
To capitalize on this nostalgia, Shari’s could relaunch with marketing campaigns that remind customers of the restaurant’s legacy, using branding that brings back the comfort and warmth people associate with Shari’s.
Focusing on its roots and reinforcing its image as a family-friendly, comforting dining experience might draw back old customers and attract new ones.
3. Revamping the Menu to Fit Modern Preferences
The food landscape has shifted since Shari’s was founded, with customers now looking for healthier options, plant-based meals, and unique flavors. By updating its menu to offer some modern options while keeping classic dishes, Shari’s could cater to a broader audience.
This could include introducing more salads, vegetarian dishes, gluten-free options, and seasonal specialties. Retaining popular items like their famous pies would keep longtime fans satisfied, while new menu items would attract health-conscious and younger diners.
4. Enhancing Digital Presence and Delivery Options
Post-pandemic dining trends have placed a huge emphasis on online ordering, takeout, and delivery options. By investing in a stronger online presence, a user-friendly website, and a mobile app, Shari’s could expand its reach beyond its physical locations.
Partnering with popular food delivery services and offering promotions for online orders would also help. This approach would allow Shari’s to reach customers who prefer dining at home, increasing sales and brand engagement.
5. Revisiting Operational Efficiency and Costs
Shari’s could look into ways to streamline its operations and reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Simplifying the menu, training staff more efficiently, and reducing waste could all contribute to a leaner and more profitable operation.
Shari’s could also consider remodeling locations to make them more cost-effective to maintain and attractive to customers.
A renewed focus on quality and speed in service would appeal to today’s customers, who value both the experience and efficiency of dining out.
6. Seeking New Investments or Partnerships
To rebuild its brand, Shari’s may need additional funding. This could involve finding new investors who see potential in a classic brand that needs a refresh.
Partnerships with regional farms or bakeries, or even collaborations with other local businesses, could bring in new financial resources and add a local appeal that resonates with the communities where Shari’s operates.
Alternatives to Shari’s Restuarant
If Shari’s Cafe & Pies is indeed closing its doors, many diners might seek alternatives that offer similar comforts and familiarity. Here are some top alternatives to Shari’s, each bringing its unique strengths while capturing that family-friendly, casual dining vibe that Shari’s customers have loved over the years.
1. Denny’s
Denny’s is a popular 24-hour diner known for its extensive menu and family-friendly atmosphere. It provides the flexibility to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner anytime, making it a go-to spot for families, travelers, and late-night diners alike.
Known for its approachable menu and frequent promotions, Denny’s has maintained popularity across generations, appealing to both regulars and first-time visitors looking for comforting American food.
2. IHOP (International House of Pancakes)
Famous for its pancakes, IHOP offers a wide variety of breakfast options, including omelets, crepes, waffles, and hearty combos, all available throughout the day. It’s a perfect alternative for those who loved Shari’s breakfast offerings, as IHOP also emphasizes fresh and filling meals in a family-oriented environment.
While IHOP is not open 24/7 like Denny’s or Shari’s, it often has early morning to late-night hours, making it a flexible option for breakfast lovers. IHOP’s emphasis on breakfast items extends to lunch and dinner as well, with a menu featuring burgers, chicken sandwiches, and comfort classics that cater to a broad audience.
3. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Cracker Barrel is an excellent choice for diners seeking hearty, Southern-inspired comfort food in a cozy, rustic environment. Known for its home-style cooking and warm hospitality, Cracker Barrel combines a restaurant with a unique gift shop featuring nostalgic and regional items.
Their menu offers classic American dishes like meatloaf, fried chicken, and biscuits and gravy, alongside breakfast options served all day. Cracker Barrel locations are designed to feel like old-fashioned country stores, complete with rocking chairs on the front porch and a fireplace inside.
4. Black Bear Diner
Black Bear Diner offers a rustic, cozy vibe similar to Shari’s, with a heavy focus on hearty, homestyle meals. Originally founded in Northern California, Black Bear Diner serves classic comfort food, including pot roast, chicken-fried steak, and their famous “Bear-sized” portions.
The decor is cabin-like, with bear-themed decorations that appeal to families and travelers alike. Known for its oversized breakfasts and traditional American entrees, Black Bear Diner offers a dependable dining experience.
5. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Perkins combines a diner feel with a bakery, known for its fresh pies and desserts, much like Shari’s was. They offer an extensive menu with items for every meal, featuring everything from eggs Benedict to turkey dinners and fish & chips.
Perkins locations also include a bakery where customers can purchase fresh-baked pies, cookies, and muffins, similar to Shari’s signature pie selection. Their family-friendly environment and diverse menu make Perkins a comfortable spot for any occasion, whether it’s a casual breakfast or a celebratory meal.
6. Bob Evans
While primarily known in the Midwest and South, Bob Evans is a popular choice for those looking for country-style dining and comfort food. With a focus on breakfast and farm-inspired dishes, Bob Evans serves classic American food with an emphasis on ingredients from local farms.
The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and their breakfast offerings are extensive, including sausage gravy, pancakes, and omelets.
Like Shari’s, Bob Evans also serves lunch and dinner, with items like slow-roasted pot roast and fried chicken. It’s a perfect alternative for Shari’s customers who appreciate a farm-to-table feel with simple, satisfying meals.
Stay Tuned to Maliyatimes.com for such business insights.
Conclusion
Shari’s Cafe & Pies was more than a restaurant; it was a regional institution that brought comfort food, a cozy dining atmosphere, and a sense of community to the Pacific Northwest. However, years of financial setbacks, including pandemic-related losses, unwise business decisions, and mounting debt, put the chain under severe strain.
Despite efforts to modernize and revitalize its image, the company struggled to recover and began closing locations without warning. As of late 2024, it seems Shari’s is indeed on the verge of going out of business.
While some locations outside Oregon remain open, the future remains uncertain. The closure of Shari’s marks the end of an era for many who grew up with the iconic brand, making it a symbol of the challenges facing traditional family dining establishments today.
