By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY

Senior Writer

Owners of the venerable Bear House Family Restaurant in Top Town Crestline announced last week that it will be closing its doors on Wednesday, May 31. This came as quite a shock, not only to its hard-working employees, but also to its hundreds of faithful customers as well.

A note on a window next to the entrance reads: “We are sad to announce that The Bear House Family Restaurant will be closed permanently as of May 31st, 2023. We have enjoyed serving this amazing community and look forward to serving you at our newest location, Osorio Brother’s, located in Rimforest. In about a month or so, Osorio Brother’s will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner items. We will be posting updates on our Facebook page, so make sure to follow us. We are so sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. Thank you all for your amazing support! Love from The Bear House Family!”

During a visit to The Bear House last Saturday, Manager Estiban Osorio told The Alpine Mountaineer that the restaurant building’s owner had decided not to renew their lease.

“The lease expired and the price to renew it increased significantly.” According to informed sources, the owner of the building doubled the rent in order to force the current tenant to vacate the premises so they could open a new restaurant as soon as the building is unoccupied.

Several current employees of the Bear House will be transferring to Osorio Brother’s Restaurant in Rimforest.

Osorio added that many of the current employees would be transferred to their Rimforest restaurant, which opened for business on March 7 of this year in the former Original Cottage. Asked when they would start serving breakfast, Osorio said, “As soon as we get the new menus, sometime in the next few weeks. It will be very similar to The Bear House menu.”

While there, this reporter interviewed several customers who were having lunch. Janelle and Don Elms from Running Springs were asked what brought them to the Bear House.

“We’ve only been here a few times, and they’ve always had good food,” Janelle said.

Crestline resident Melody Groom and her friend, Robert, enjoy dining at The Bear House

Next was Crestline resident Melody Groom and her friend, Robert, from Loma Linda. “We come here for breakfast, lunch and dinner quite a bit,” said Melody, who added, “Im sorry to see them go.”

Local historian and author Russ Keller is a regular customer who has been dining at the Bear House and its forerunner, The Loose Caboose, for over 20 years. When asked how often he eats at the Bear House, Keller responded, “I go there three time a week for breakfast. My favorite waitress is Breann because she’s always very attentive, courteous and nice.” He said his favorite breakfast consists of the corned beef omelet with hash browns. Though he doesn’t have lunch as often, when he does, he likes the potato skins. As for dinner, Keller said, “My wife and I usually go every Friday. We like the shrimp dinner.”

When asked if he’s eaten at Osorio Brother’s Restaurant in Rimforest, Keller said he has yet to try it. “Sooner or later, I will try it. I just hope the new owner of The Bear House carries on with the tradition established by The Loose Caboose and The Bear House.”