Black Bear Diner, the rapidly expanding family dining concept headquartered in Redding, California, announced the addition of restaurant industry veteran Tim Kaliher as chief operating officer. Kaliher, formerly vice president of operations for O’Charleys, Inc., is responsible for leading Black Bear Diner’s operational efficiency as the concept expands nationally. He is a member of the executive leadership team.
“Our growth trajectory is accelerating quickly,” says Bruce Dean, CEO and co-founder of Black Bear Diner. “Tim’s leadership, experience and operational savvy will ensure that we remain efficient and effective in several aspects of our growth plan. Tim is an important addition to the Black Bear Diner family and we are very happy to have him on board.”
Black Bear Diner has experienced 22 consecutive quarters of increased same-store sales and also achieved an 18 percent increase in system wide sales in 2015. The brand growth is being fueled by a mix of new and existing franchisees in existing markets, as well as corporate stores in newer markets. Black Bear Diner is on track to open up 14 new units in 2016, and already has 20 units in the pipeline for 2017. The brand has a goal of 100 units by 2018, with an eye toward eastward expansion.
“I’m excited to join a brand that has tremendous momentum in the family dining segment,” says Kaliher. “This is a unique opportunity to help a strong brand sustain its robust growth pattern and work with a very talented roster of industry leaders. I’m thrilled to be part of the Black Bear Diner family.”
The executive leadership team of Black Bear Diner includes Bruce Dean, CEO and co-founder; Robin Yoshimura, chief financial officer; Doug Branigan, chief development officer; David Doty, chief marketing officer; and Tim Kaliher, chief operating officer.
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.
