Denny’s restaurant in Pendleton closed its doors Oct. 14, 2024, resulting in 25 people losing their jobs.

PENDLETON — Two family-style chain restaurants closed their doors the same week in Pendleton.

Denny’s shut down Oct. 14, resulting in 25 employees losing their jobs. Three days later, Shari’s Cafe & Pies closed, putting 20 more people out of work.

Williamette Week in Portland on Monday, Oct, 21, reported all Shari’s Cafe and Pies in Oregon are closed

“It’s difficult,” Denny’s owner Jerry Fouts said. “You know, it’s difficult for employees. Some of them took it fairly well and some a little harder.”

Fouts said the reason for closing was because the lease ran out, and with inflation and economic conditions since the pandemic, the cost of business was burdensome.

“So with the lease ending, we decided to close,” he said. “We’re just at a point where we aren’t financially suitable anymore.”

At the front entrance of the restaurant, the Denny’s management team posted a letter to customers regarding their closing:

“Dear Pendleton Community,

“It is with heavy hearts we announce that we have closed our doors. This was not a decision we made lightly. We would like to thank the Pendleton community for their continued support while we were here to serve them.”

Outside the back kitchen entrance, movers loaded boxes and restaurant equipment into a moving van and pickup. Fouts said his team would clean up and haul off things for another week or so.

Denny’s operated for several decades off Highway 395 at 610 Tutuilla Creek Road, next to the Motel 6 and across the street from Olney Cemetery.

“I want to thank the public for their support,” Fouts said. “For taking care of us for many years and our employees, who are outstanding people and worked hard for us.”

According to sharis.com, the Beaverton-based chain has 95 locations across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Wyoming and Nebraska, but the number of restaurants has shrunk due to closures.

Restaurant Business Magazine reported in August the chain has dwindled to 60 restaurants.

Wyoming News Now in early October reported the Cheyenne location closed amid financial issues.

KGW-TV in Portland reported in September the dining chain is facing allegations of unpaid rent and taxes, as well as eviction notices. At least seven restaurants have closed unexpectedly in Idaho and Washington during the past few months and the company faces numerous lawsuits, mostly in various state courts.

Other Northwest newspapers have reported on Shari’s closures.

The Lewiston Tribune reported in May that Shari’s closed in Lewiston, Idaho.

In July, the East Idaho News reported the Idaho Falls location closed, and in Washington the Tacoma News Tribune reported Shari’s closed its last Tacoma location.

And the Moscow-Pullman Daily News in August reported the Moscow location was closing.

The first Shari’s restaurant opened in 1978 in Hermiston. The East Oregonian called the restaurant for comment Oct. 21, but no one answered.