Pacific Northwest restaurant chain Elmer’s will return to Central Oregon late this summer or early fall in the former home of Shari’s Cafe & Pies near the Bend River Promenade.

Elmers, with nearly 30 locations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California and Arizona, is famous for its buttermilk pancakes. The restaurant franchise chain had been in Bend from 1966 to 1986, when it closed. 

“I  know that much has changed in Bend — and with Elmer’s — since that time,” said Jill Ramos, Elmer’s vice president. “Over the last 40 years, Central Oregonians have enjoyed Elmer’s when traveling around the Pacific Northwest. Our team is looking forward to being able to welcome the Bend community every day, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

The franchise has applied for a business license with the city, said Jacob Larsen, city of Bend communications manager. The business model is built upon providing locally sourced food and good service, according to the company. 

Founded in 1960 by Walt Elmer, the restaurant chain is best known for its buttermilk pancakes and comfort food, according to the company.  It’s first location was in Portland.

When the restaurant was in Bend in the 1960s through 1986, it was callled Elmer’s Colonial Pancake & Steak House and was located at 415 NE Third St., according to a 1967 phone book.