Black Bear Diner names Nicole Durham-Mallory VP of development

Black Bear Diner has hired franchise development veteran Nicole Durham-Mallory as vice president of development as the family-dining chain looks to speed expansion across existing and new markets. The move comes after nine new diner openings in 2025 and five more in 2026, with the brand now operating more than 170 locations in 15 states.

Why it matters: - Black Bear Diner is adding senior development leadership as it tries to turn sales momentum into faster franchise growth. - The hire is aimed at supporting both existing franchise-partners and new operators as the brand expands. - Black Bear Diner is also investing in operations, technology, marketing, menu innovation and a flexible new-unit prototype to create more development opportunities.

What happened: - Black Bear Diner named Nicole Durham-Mallory vice president of franchise development. - Durham-Mallory joins after more than 22 years at Dine Brands Global. - Her most recent role was vice president of sales administration at Dine Brands, where she worked with franchisees and cross-functional teams on restaurant expansion and development capabilities. - Black Bear Diner said the appointment supports the next phase of growth for the Redding, California-based brand.

The details: - Black Bear Diner was founded in 1995 in Mt. Shasta, California. - The brand now has more than 170 diners across 15 states. - Growth has come from a mix of company-owned units and franchised development. - Longtime franchise-partners have reinvested in the brand, and new multi-unit partners have joined the system. - The company opened nine new diners in 2025 and another five in 2026. - Durham-Mallory will focus on expanding the franchise development pipeline and building relationships with prospective franchisees and multi-unit operators. - She will also work with existing franchise-partners evaluating additional growth opportunities. - Durham-Mallory will coordinate with internal teams to keep new development aligned with operations, hospitality and long-term franchisee success. - Black Bear Diner opened its first franchised diner in 2002. - Franchise-partners have been part of the brand's growth for more than two decades. - The company is seeking growth in markets where Black Bear Diner already has strong awareness and in new communities. - More information about franchise opportunities is available at Black Bear Diner franchise opportunities.

Between the lines: - The hire signals Black Bear Diner wants a more disciplined expansion plan, not just more openings. - Durham-Mallory's background in franchise support suggests the brand is prioritizing operator relationships as much as site growth. - The company is trying to preserve its guest experience while scaling, which can be a key challenge for family-dining chains.

What's next: - Black Bear Diner said it will keep focusing on disciplined expansion and strong franchise relationships. - The brand expects new development to continue as existing partners reinvest and new partners join the system. - The company will continue building out its next-generation prototype and broader support investments as it grows.

The bottom line: - Black Bear Diner is betting that stronger franchise leadership will help it widen its footprint without diluting the brand's identity.