but when they were unable to find a restaurant company willing to buy they started their own chain in Hermiston. Most Shari's restaurants are built to this design; it places the kitchen in the center of the restaurant, providing easy access for the waiting staff to serve customers, and increases the number of tables next to a window. Historically, upon entering a Shari's restaurant, the dining area was divided by half, with one half on either side of the entrance. One side would allow smoking and the other would be non-smoking. Today the restaurants are non-smoking; however some Shari's restaurants have opened up video lottery rooms (some of which allow smoking) which occupy a portion of the former dining room and are walled off. See also List of casual dining restaurant chains List of diners List of restaurant chains in the United States Cuisine of the United States References External links 1978 establishments in Oregon Companies based in Beaverton, Oregon Food and drink companies based in Oregon Privately held companies based in Oregon Regional restaurant chains in the United States Restaurants established in 1978 Restaurants in Oregon