Exclusive: Crews race the clock as Elmer’s moves into former Shari’s site in Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- We’re just weeks away from Oregon’s own Elmer’s Restaurant opening its newest location in Bend—and KTVZ got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look as construction crews race toward the finish line.

The restaurant is taking over the former Shari’s site on Highway 97 in North Bend. Construction remains on schedule, with JHC Construction nearly completing a full renovation of the space.

Workers have gutted the interior to add new booths, modern lighting, and upgraded kitchen equipment. The layout will mirror the old Shari’s, but everything inside will be new and redesigned in Elmer’s signature colors.

In addition to the full remodel, the restaurant will keep its lottery area, which is being completely redone and refinished to fit six lottery machines.

With tight margins across the restaurant industry, workers say hitting deadlines is critical.

“Have one kink in the road, it could kind of shift things quite a bit,” said JHC Construction Superintendent Joe Werkheiser. “You try to alleviate that and look forward to make sure that you don’t have those issues.”

Marketing Director Brittney Boone added, “Getting them on time and on budget... We are really excited to bring something fresh and new to Bend.”

We also uncovered a bit of local nostalgia—a matchbox from Elmer’s original Bend location on Third Street. That restaurant operated for 20 years beginning in 1966. The site is now home to Bamboo Salon and Laurie’s Grill.

Elmer’s plans to open its new Bend location on November 24.