In its place by the middle of October will be a Black Bear Diner, one of a growing number of restaurants in a group that originally came out of Alaska.
Mike Bogetti, who has owned and operated Tracy Orchard with his brother, Albert Bogetti Jr., and their father, Albert Bogetti Sr., since November 1983, said the Black Bear franchise owner has bought the Orchard building lease.
The building, originally constructed by the Bogettis, is now owned by the Toste family, which has always owned the property on Toste Road south of Grant Line Road.
“It would have been 27 years in November that we operated the Tracy Orchard,” Mike Bogetti said. “That’s a good run in the restaurant business, and it’s time to move on.”
He said that during most of those years, the restaurant has been managed by Helga Shupe, a veteran of the food-service business.
Bogetti said that during the week, the clientele has been evenly divided between local customers and Interstate 205 travelers. On weekends, customers off the freeway have been the majority. Breakfasts are an especially popular meal, he noted.
Rod Toste, who manages the family’s properties, said that after the Tracy Orchard serves its last customer Sunday, the building of about 5,000 square feet will be closed for at least a month while it is remodeled into a Black Bear Diner. Shupe predicted an Oct. 15 opening.
“The Black Bear people hope to be open by mid-October,” Toste said. “Their décor is rustic — with wood and logs — in line with the Alaskan origins of the restaurant group. Both the interior and exterior of the building will have a new look.”
Food at the Black Bear will be “down-home fare” with ample portions, Toste said. The restaurants have been popular with families.
Our order was taken quickly and coffee was brought right away. Our waitress was friendly and had that "doe in headlights" look about her.
Our food came about 15 minutes later, hot and plenty of it. I would say the best breakfast offered here in town.
My friend and I went back a few evenings ago for dinner. I had the bear burger (could feed 2) and my friend had chicken fried steak. Again, good service and good food.
Along with the others that posted about the Orchard, I was sad to see it go, but it was time as Mangagement did not keep up with the times by updating and keeping the place clean. We used to love going to Orchard for breakfast, but I am now looking forward to having breakfast at the Black Bear Diner!
Was hoping a better restaurant than black bear would arrive. But it's far better than some of the blight that is seen on tracy blvd at 205 with empty buildings. I would rather have a local owned restaurant rather than a chain. Chances for good food with decent proportions and good prices and specials are better with a local restaurant. Although business has been tough in Tracy for restaurants. The chain retsaurants with the same 'ol boring food are very busy in this town at dinner. Some of the local ones in town charge the same $10 to $11 food that is alright. Seems a bit much but this is standard for these times I guess. If black bear can bring in good food, great specials, and great service they should do well!
« briandub wrote on Monday, Aug 30 at 11:51 AM »
I used to go when my daughter was young. She loved to look at the stuffed mountain lion on the wall.
For the last few years, the place just looked old and dusty. Stopped going all together a while ago.
Being a fan of breakfast, I am looking for a place with really good food. Not a chain, but a little gem with quality food.
any suggestions
Four corners is pretty good.
For the last few years, the place just looked old and dusty. Stopped going all together a while ago.
Being a fan of breakfast, I am looking for a place with really good food. Not a chain, but a little gem with quality food.
any suggestions
When it opens Tracyites could shop at Macys at the West Valley Mall and meet their family after for a Black Bear burger.
I like the new choices. And I think the Texas Roadhouse Cafe is also across the street.
However, I do think a nice, safe place for young people 12-17 yrs old would be great. Besides the pool (only summer months) movies and the mall, there is nothing for kids to do here. How about a skating/ ice rink? I realize that insurance is very high for these type of business's but what is the cost for the juvenilles that are bored and then do something stupid and get in trouble?
How about a "Jamba Juice" with a mini "Barnes & Noble" for the younger crowd? I don't know, but I think the 12-17 year olds are forgotten in the city of Tracy.
Having eaten at the Black Bear Diner in the north bay...I'm VERY excited about it! Doesn't feel like a chain at all...and GREAT food! Guess I found a new breakfast place when people are in town...yippee!!
My family and I went there once in 1999, not impressed. Went again in 2002, impressed even less.
Breakfast at the Black Bear diner in Reno area was delicious. As soon as it opens, I will go and treat myself. Welcome to Tracy Black Bear diner!