Black Bear Diner Brings Its Cozy Comforts to Tomball with New Location off Highway 249
A new spot for comfort food and familiar faces has opened its doors in Tomball. Black Bear Diner, known for its down-home atmosphere and hearty, made-from-scratch meals, is now welcoming guests at its newest location just off Highway 249.
Located at 25517 State Highway 249, Suite 180, the 4,625-square-foot diner officially opened this October after months of construction on a $700,000 interior build-out. The space has been transformed into a cozy mountain lodge-inspired eatery complete with the brand’s signature carved bear statues, woodsy decor, and warm lighting that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a home away from home.
Founded in 1995 in the small town of Mt. Shasta, California, Black Bear Diner was the dream of Bruce Dean and Bob Manley — two friends who believed in the power of good food, good service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Today, there are more than 140 Black Bear Diner locations in 14 states, but the founders’ original vision remains at the heart of every one of them.
Big Portions, Bigger Heart
Black Bear Diner doesn’t shy away from portions. In fact, their commitment to serving what they call “bear-sized meals” is a defining part of the experience. Breakfast is served all day and includes menu staples like The Grizz — a plate stacked with pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and ham — and the Bigfoot Chicken Fried Steak, smothered in country gravy and paired with eggs and fluffy biscuits.
Lunch and dinner offer just as much comfort, with classic dishes like pot roast, meatloaf, and a lineup of burgers that feel homemade. For those looking for something lighter, there are veggie scrambles, salads, and customizable plates that don’t skimp on flavor. Even kids get their own "Cubs" menu designed just for smaller appetites.
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To wash it all down, the drink selection includes fresh-squeezed orange juice, bottomless coffee, and their house specialty: huckleberry lemonade. And of course, no visit is complete without a fresh-baked bear claw pastry or a slice of one of their rotating pies.
A Gathering Place for the Tomball Community
The new Tomball location is more than a restaurant—it’s a place to connect. Whether it’s catching up over breakfast with a neighbor, celebrating a family birthday, or just taking a break after running errands, Black Bear Diner brings a friendly, unhurried atmosphere that fits right into the rhythm of life in Tomball.
Its placement just minutes from Historic Downtown Tomball and family favorites like Burroughs Park makes it an easy stop on any outing. The welcoming feel extends beyond the décor—servers are known for remembering faces, chatting with regulars, and taking pride in the small details that make a meal memorable.
The brand has always leaned into its small-town roots, and founders Bruce Dean and Bob Manley have made it clear that no matter how many diners open, the goal is to keep things real. Manley, a former wilderness guide and artist, helped shape the restaurant’s bear theme and community-centered vibe. Dean, with his deep experience in the restaurant world, built a menu focused on comfort and value. Together, they created something that continues to resonate with families across the country.
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Now Serving Tomball
Black Bear Diner in Tomball is now open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., ready to serve up scratch-made meals and a little slice of nostalgia. With a menu full of familiar flavors and a space built for gathering, it’s already becoming a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Whether you're a regular looking for a new weekend breakfast spot or just passing through Tomball on Highway 249, Black Bear Diner invites you to pull up a chair, settle in, and stay awhile.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
