Nov. 1, 2015, marked a sad event for local diners: After well over two decades, Sizzler Steakhouse restaurant at the intersection of State Route 89A and State Route 260 closed its doors.
Now, it looks as if a new restaurant, offering three meals a day and a traditional American food menu, will be taking its place.
On Thursday, July 21, a representative of the Redding, Calif.-based Black Bear Diner confirmed that the company is involved in a project to turn the existing structure into a Black Bear Diner. The representative declined to offer comment on planned alterations to the structure or how long construction will last.
Any proposed remodeling would likely require a public meeting to review the design.
Late last year, Utah-based Maverik convenience stores — which has two locations in the Verde Valley, in Cottonwood and Camp Verde — expressed interest in the property but ultimately backed out of negotiations when it became clear that the Arizona Department of Transportation would only allow right-turn entrances and exits.
“The city welcomes Black Bear Diner and we look forward to working with them to ensure their success,” Cottonwood City Manager Doug Bartosh stated July 22. “I believe that the interest of a new restaurant chain at that location is an indication of the draw that Cottonwood is experiencing for business enterprises.
“We anticipate that trend will continue because of the great amenities and natural resources that Cottonwood has to offer.”
