The Downtown Bend Business Association announced seven new businesses opening, several more relocating within downtown and the current occupancy rate. Occupancy holds around 92 percent-a slight dip from the end of the first quarter. The rate is based upon the number of leased retail/restaurant spaces in the downtown district.
“Downtown retail and restaurant spaces look quite different overall from three months ago as twelve storefronts have new tenants. The decrease in our occupancy rate is minimal and we anticipate quite a few more spaces leased in the coming months as we work to match tenants with buildings, “says DBBA Executive Director Chuck Arnold.
Changes are seen all over downtown including Bond, Brooks, Franklin, Minnesota and Wall.
Bond Street sees two changes of businesses both relocating within downtown. Astro Lounge has leased and will soon open at 939 Bond, between Minnesota and Oregon Avenue with their same brand of good food, drinks and unique evening entertainment. Bond Street Market has relocated their convenience store at 844 Bond.
Brooks Street gained a new business this quarter in H. Davies Studio and Shop at 930 Brooks. H. Davies provides a variety of photographic works and operates as a functioning studio. Unique photo-based gifts are available as well.
Franklin Avenue has three new businesses this quarter. Bend Yogurt Factory at 744 Bond offers 21 flavors of frozen yogurt and tons of sweet toppings. Faveur is a new eclectic and unique boutique at 714 Franklin-next to Bend Burger Company. Finally, Ceylon Blu will open soon in the Franklin Crossing building 550 Franklin. The new salon situated in Tin Pan Alley across from the Connecting Point Computer parking lot will feature hair and other salon services.
Lulu’s Home Organic Home & Gift has opened at 130 Minnesota. The new shop features sustainable and organic gifts available nowhere else in Bend. Dream Pebbles Bath has relocated from Oregon Avenue to 112 Minnesota. The expanded shop features amazing soaps and scents. Also relocating along Minnesota is Top Leaf Mate Bar at 55 Minnesota. The mate bar which continues to feature the tea-like yerba mate South American drink in a variety of flavors is now located within the Wine Shop & Beer Tasting Bar.
Wall Street gains Bend D’Vine at 916 Wall which will feature fine wines from around the world along with bites of food and great live music. The wine shop and tasting bar is scheduled to open next month. Planker (a slang name given to skiers by snowboarders) Sandwiches has opened a delicious lunch option in the former Crepe Place space at 824 Wall. Moving up the street to 909 Wall is Cascade Cottons. The Bend logo wear shop offers the highest quality shirts, sweats and Bend logo gear.
The DBBA is a private nonprofit organization representing approximately 375 businesses and 85 property owners working to keep Downtown Bend vibrant. The organization is responsible for downtown beautification, cleaning and maintenance, marketing, events and keeping the business environment healthy. More information is available at www.DowntownBend.org.
