I just found out today that Ernesto's Italian Restaurant closed suddenly on Monday (yesterday)—here's the article that appeared in today's paper:

Ernesto’s Italian Restaurant — a fixture on the Third Street corridor since 1996 — closed Monday.

Soaring food prices, an economic downturn and possibly a theme that had run its course in restaurant-saturated Bend all contributed to the closure, said Michael Ceccanti, the co-owner along with his wife, Jackie.

“The economy in the last year and a half has really gone negative,” said Ceccanti, 59. “The harder we try, the worse it is.”

The news is pretty surprising, and sucks; I enjoyed eating there, and they had a hard-to-beat lunch deal.

Jake's Diner is hosting another Fourth of July BBQ for Vietnam Veterans this year:

Jake’s Diner and the Vietnam Veterans of America are partnering on a BBQ at Jake’s on the evening of the Fourth of July. All proceeds will be going to the Vietnam Veterans of America.

The BBQ will start at 6PM with entertainment from the “Taelour Project” in Jake’s parking lot from 6PM until 8PM.

Everyone is welcome to stay at Jake’s for a great position to watch the fireworks from their parking lot. Please, no alcohol or fireworks.

Who: Jake’s and VVA.
What: Fourth of July BBQ
When: July 4th, 2008 at 6PM
Where: Jake’s Diner
2210 NE Hwy 20
Bend, OR 97701
541-382-0118

For any more information, please call Lyle at 419-6021

It's an all-you-can eat BBQ with chicken and ribs. The only info I don't have is the price.