Longtime Hazel Dell diner Fat Dave’s closing its doors

Fat Dave’s, an old-school diner beloved by many Hazel Dell residents, announced this week that it’s closing its doors.

“After 40+ years, we will be closing August 31st,” a sign on the restaurant’s door states. “Thank you for your loyalty, support, & memories.”

The late Bob Roberts founded Fat Dave’s restaurant at 1511 N.E. 99th St. in the early 1980s, according to Columbian archives. Before that, it was the 99 Cafe.

“My father always wanted it to be known as a working man’s establishment,” Darla Schlegel, who at the time ran the cafe with another sister and two brothers, said in a 1996 Columbian article. “He always wanted people to feel comfortable. It didn’t matter if you had mud on your boots or you just poured concrete. He didn’t care.”

The restaurant’s owners didn’t immediately res