NEWBERG, Ore. — As former Shari’s Café & Pies locations across Oregon are converted into Elmer’s Restaurants or demolished for redevelopment, Newberg residents are wondering what’s next for the local Shari’s building on Highway 99W.
Get These Stories First, Right in your Inbox
We send out a FREE weekly newsletter featuring the previous week’s biggest stories, upcoming events, and other local happenings. Our email newsletter is the first to know!
As of Friday, Oct. 10, the property remains listed for lease, according to leasing manager Kristi Hafdahl of Metro Property Management.
Hafdahl said she could not comment on any potential pending deals or leases but confirmed that the hexagonal building north of downtown Newberg in Springbrook Plaza is currently available.
In July, Elmer’s announced plans to open in four former Shari’s locations around Oregon — in Portland, Hillsboro, Tualatin, and Bend — leading to speculation that the Pacific Northwest-based restaurant chain may be eyeing Newberg as well.
Jill Ramos, Vice President of Elmers Restaurants, told Newsberg via email that there are no current plans to open in the Newberg Shari’s building.
The Shari’s in neighboring Sherwood was demolished this summer and replaced with a Chick-fil-A, which opened last week. Another Shari’s in Vancouver, Wash. was torn down to make way for a Shake Shack, and one in Gresham is being demolished for a future In-N-Out Burger warehouse.
Any demolition in Newberg requires developers to file permits with the city. As of Oct. 10, no such permits related to the Shari’s address have been filed.
In October 2024, Shari’s announced the closure of all 17 of its remaining restaurants — down from 42 at the start of that year — due to financial instability, according to Oregon Business.
Shari’s Café & Pies was founded in 1978 by Ron and Sharon “Shari” Bergquist in Hermiston, Oregon. The Newberg location was among the first to open after the original Hermiston restaurant, according to The Oregon Encyclopedia.
The brand became known for its Northwest comfort food, all-day hours, and expansive pie selection. Its 24-hour service made it a popular late-night gathering place, particularly for young people seeking a safe spot for a snack, wrote The Oregonian’s Lizzy Acker in October 2024.
The restaurant’s signature hexagonal design was created by co-founder Ron Bergquist, who aimed to maximize window space and minimize the distance between booths and the kitchen. At its peak, Shari’s operated 97 restaurants across seven states and was the largest full-service restaurant chain in the Pacific Northwest, with revenues exceeding $175 million.
The chain changed ownership several times: sold in 1985 to StratAmerica for $30 million; in 1992 to Battistone Financial Group; in 1999 to Fairmont Capital Inc. for $60 million; and in 2006 to a consortium of investors led by Circle Peak Capital LLC for $80 million.
In 2023, the brand was acquired by Gather Holdings, which operates several restaurant brands across the western United States.
The final closures were linked to more than $900,000 in unpaid debts to the Oregon Lottery, according to The Oregon Encyclopedia.
“Shari’s downfall happened gradually, then all at once,” wrote Oregon Business’s Garrett Andrews in July. “A string of bad business decisions led to building liens and the loss of loyal customers.”
Anyone interested in leasing the space can contact Hafdahl at Metro Property Management by calling 866-214-7988.
Newsberg will continue following this story. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter for updates.
