It feels like the end of an era. For many of us who grew up in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, Shari’s Cafe & Pies wasn’t just another chain restaurant—it was a gathering place, a part of our routine, and a spot filled with memories that spanned decades. The news that all Shari’s locations may be closing tonight, as reported by social media and confirmed by the closure of several locations, brings with it a bittersweet sadness.
For me, Shari’s was a staple of my youth in the '90s. I remember meeting up with friends late at night, the booths filled with the quiet chatter of teenagers and young adults, drinking endless cups of coffee and smoking cigarettes, long after the dinner rush had passed. The restaurant would be dimly lit, with the smell of fresh pies lingering in the air, as we talked about life, shared laughs, and watched the clock tick towards midnight. It was a place that welcomed us, offering comfort and familiarity when the rest of the world felt a bit too uncertain.
Over the years, Shari’s took on a different role in my life. It became the place I met my mom and grandma for lunch. We shared countless meals there, often laughing over a slice of their famous pies or catching up over a hot meal. My grandma passed away a few years ago, and though I hadn’t visited Shari’s as often in recent years, every time I drove past one, it sparked memories of those lunches together. The thought of losing that space—one of the last places where those memories still feel alive—brings a profound sadness. It’s not just about a restaurant closing; it’s about the quiet end of a place where so many chapters of our lives played out.
In recent months, financial troubles have plagued Shari’s, as reported by KGW and other outlets. Unpaid bills, back taxes, eviction notices, and closures were signs that the company was struggling. In September, the Keizer location shut down, followed by the Springfield location just last week. Earlier this month, Central Oregon Daily confirmed the closure of Shari’s on Bend’s north end. The East Oregonian recently reported that the Pendleton location closed as well. It’s becoming clear that what was once a vibrant chain of family-style restaurants is slowly disappearing from our region.
Shari’s, which first opened in Hermiston, Oregon in 1978, was founded by Ron and Sharon Bergquist. It quickly became known for its hexagon-shaped dining rooms and warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant offered a place where people could enjoy hearty comfort meals and, of course, their award-winning pies. Over the decades, Shari’s expanded throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, and even into Wyoming and Nebraska. At its height, there were more than 95 locations, with many of us growing up considering it a reliable go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, or late-night pie and coffee.
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But things have changed in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the restaurant industry hard, and Shari’s was no exception. Despite a 2023 investment by a private firm into its parent company, Gather Holdings, LLC, and revenue from video lottery sales in Oregon, the financial issues seemed insurmountable. The company has faced numerous lawsuits, with vendors and landlords claiming unpaid bills and rent. KGW8 reported in August that Shari’s was facing eviction notices in multiple locations and had racked up significant debts, including $220,000 in unpaid taxes to the Idaho State Tax Commission.
While Shari’s locations have continued to close—McMinnville, Corvallis, Pendleton, and Springfield among them—social media posts have exploded with rumors that tonight marks the final closure for all Shari’s restaurants. In a Facebook group titled The BUZZ in Lebanon, Oregon, one post read: “Just read that ALL Shari’s restaurants closing, as of tomorrow. Corvallis closes at 8 p.m. tonight. The workers literally just found out today. Great way to take care of your employees, Shari’s! NOT!” Another post claimed the McMinnville location was also shuttering today.
Though we cannot confirm at this time that every Shari’s location is closing, the widespread posts on social media suggest that something big is happening tonight. The situation seems dire, with employees being informed of closures at the last minute, leaving many scrambling to find new jobs. The uncertainty is painful, especially for the employees who have worked long hours to keep the restaurants running, even as their future hung in the balance.
Shari’s was more than just a restaurant. It was a place where families gathered, where memories were made, and where the coffee flowed endlessly into the night. The loss of this familiar staple in so many communities across the Pacific Northwest is a reminder of how fast things can change. Whether or not Shari’s officially closes its doors for good tonight, the heartbreak is real. It feels like we’re all losing something familiar, something that was always there when we needed a comforting meal or a quiet place to reminisce.
For now, we hold onto the memories, the late-night conversations, and the many slices of pie shared with loved ones. Shari’s may be closing, but for those of us who spent so many hours there, it will remain a part of our story, a part of our past.
As we wait for more official updates, it’s clear that this is a somber moment for all who grew up with Shari’s as a backdrop to their lives. If this is truly the end, then it is a quiet, bittersweet farewell to a place that served us well for over four decades.
