Is Bellingham’s Shari’s actually closing? What to know amid bankruptcy filings
A popular Pacific Northwest restaurant chain is facing more changes due to a recent bankruptcy filing.
Shari’s Restaurants was founded in Hermiston, Oregon, in 1978. The chain has closed several locations in recent years, including one in Mount Vernon that was turned into an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant.
Known for pies, all-day breakfast, burgers, prime rib and pie shakes, Shari’s restaurants have become a popular American dining staple that’s even open Christmas Day.
In 2024, Shari’s closed all its Oregon locations, according to previous reporting by McClatchy, and now only operates nine locations across Washington, Idaho and California, according to the restaurant’s website.
“The closures of the Oregon properties appeared to be tied to debt owed the Oregon Lottery for video lottery-gaming machines, which had been an extra revenue stream at the restaurants in that state,” previous reporting by McClatchy stated.
The chain’s parent company, Lena Brands LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 15, according to ABC News, and many local rumors have been circulating about the Bellingham Shari’s location closing permanently.
Lena Brands LLC owns both Shari’s Restaurants and Coco’s Bakery, a chain of California-inspired restaurants specializing in slow-roasted meats, sandwiches, seafood and more.
According to Sam Borgese, sole member/manager at Lena Brands LLC, only one restaurant will be closing due to the recent bankruptcy filings.
“Bellingham Shari’s will NOT be closing,” Borgese stated in an email to The Bellingham Herald.
“We do not anticipate or plan closing more than one restaurant. We are closing one of the Shari’s locations in California. There are no Coco’s closures planned,” Borgese said.
Bellingham’s Shari’s location is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday at 3904 Meridian St. in Bellingham.
