Black Bear Diner

I live here in Willows and have eaten at Black Bear for many years. Many years BEFORE the Virus, the service was super friendly and energetic. There was plenty of staff to serve everyone in a timely manner so your food arrived at your table fresh and hot. The staff would remember your name plus make you feel at home. The food was Cooked to perfection. Now.....all of the above is gone. I could have cooked a better dinner and without the long wait for service and food. The service was not with a smile and the two of them looked unhappy and didn't know what they were doing or what to do next. Note to Owner.....you should have kept the original staff who were professional, happy and made me wanting more of good food and service. Until you reverse your service and food, I and many of my family and friends will not be back.

This is my go-to place. I am a fly fisherman and used to fish the Sacramento River up by Shasta and was going to Black Bear diner before they ever became a chain. The food and service are always terrific and the portions are very large. Last night I had the best meatloaf I had ever had. The only complaint was that the green beans were really too salty.

Wow! I’ve been a Black Bear Diner fan for years, not sure anymore at least at this location. You can tell staff don’t give a rip, complain openly about staffing and when you approach them it’s all excuses and no solutions. Ordered food and coffee, coffee came out then it was gone, no offer of refill while I waited. The blond waitress would make the excuse that it’s low staff, or the guy behind the counter is winding down ( even thought he was winding down for 40 minutes before I even brought it up). No teamwork and certainly no leadership. The group struck me as a crew that’s either given up or doesn’t give a rip anymore for some reason. I walked out , offered to pay for coffee but they said I didn’t need to. Looked like the cook was making one order at a time as well, which added to the poor service. Someone either needs to provide some leadership, clean house with the staff, or retrain these folks. Yes, they may have been short staffed but a little sense of urgency goes a long way. When you have a struggle of any kind, the team cannot stay in their proverbial corner and not step up for a while to help each other. Clearly not a team after 35 minutes with no food and no coffee refill or even a little communication. I hope they can change the atmosphere here!