Black Bear Diner, the award-winning family dining concept headquartered in Redding, California, announced that the scheduled opening of its newest restaurant in Chandler, Arizona, will mark a major milestone for the franchise—75 units. The rapidly expanding family dining franchise has accelerated its growth in recent years, posting its best unit growth year in franchise history in 2015. The brand continues to march forward toward its stated goal of 100 units by 2018.

“We’re truly humbled by the growth we’ve experienced since founding Black Bear Diner 20 years ago in the sleepy mountain town of Mt. Shasta,” says Bruce Dean, co-founder of Black Bear Diner. “Twenty years ago we would’ve never imaged having 75 units. Now that we’re here, however, we recognize the brand is still in its infancy and the potential for greater expansion and growth is really great.”

Black Bear Diner has experienced increased same-store-sales over the last 20 quarters, and the brand growth is being fueled by a mix of new and existing franchisees in existing markets, as well as new corporate stores in newer markets. In 2016, the brand is projected to open up 14 new units—eight corporate locations and six franchised locations.

“We’ve stayed true to our philosophy of smart, steady growth,” adds Doug Branigan, chief development officer for Black Bear Diner. “We recognize that the brand is strong—it’s illustrated by the demand from franchisees and customers. Now it’s on us to nurture the growth in the smartest way possible as we look to infill our territories and also expand eastward.”

Founded in Mount Shasta, California, in 1995, Black Bear Diner is an award-winning family dining concept offering bear-sized food portions at an excellent value, with locations spread across eight western states. All Black Bear Diner restaurants feature a unique bear-inspired and log-cabin theme, designed to remind guests of a time when life was a little simpler, and service and quality were the cornerstones of business.