Bend Downtown Welcomes New Businesses

Another record set…occupancy at 95 percent with 15 new businesses

The Downtown Bend Business Association announces 15 new businesses starting up, some changes and expansions, and the current occupancy rate for the first quarter of 2013. Occupancy leapt up 3 percentage points to 95 percent the highest in 3 years. The occupancy rate is based on the number of leased retail/restaurant spaces in the downtown district.

“We are ecstatic about the number of businesses starting up in Downtown Bend. The record jump and occupancy rate means we are going into the busy summer season with a downtown district that has its most diverse set of offerings to date, “says DBBA Executive Director Chuck Arnold.

Bond Street, gains Bluebird Coffee Company (550 Franklin facing Bond, next to Noi Thai Cuisine) a community market and coffeehouse. Also on Bond, La Magie Bakery expands into breakfast and lunch adjacent to the retail shop in the former Soba Noodle storefront at 945 Bond.

Brooks Street will see the opening of a new smoke accessory shop at 806 Brooks in the former Hip Salon space next to Mazza Bistro.

Franklin Avenue gets two new restaurants leased this quarter. Opening this week will be Pure Kitchen (550 Franklin-the former Bo’s Restobar space) offering tapas, small plates, and desserts. The Drake will offer comfort food in a neighborhood diner setting in the former El Jimador space at the corner of Franklin and Wall.

Lava Street will see the addition of Studio DeVine (750 Lava-next to Kariella and Jackalope Grill) providing facials and waxing.

Minnesota adds three new businesses this quarter including Brickhouse, a steakhouse and seafood restaurant, (5 Minnesota-in the Firehall) which will relocate from Bond Street in Bend. Jeffery Murray Photography comes to 118 Minnesota with a fine photography art gallery and Luvs Donuts will occupy the retail space on the first floor of the Oxford Hotel at 10 Minnesota.

Oregon Avenue now has Studio Shen providing massage and bodywork and Revive Skin Services offers facials and microdermabrasion skin treatments-both businesses are located at 115 Oregon. A new restaurant will soon occupy the space at 150 Oregon in the former home of Common Table.

On Wall Street many changes are afoot. This quarter saw the opening of Sweet Saigon (915 Wall-in the former Amalia’s space) offering Vietnamese food in a fine dining atmosphere. Ju-bee-lee (903 Wall-the former Volt Lighting storefront) is a lifestyle store offering women’s accessories and gifts. Bend Bungalow (937 Wall) has become Lone Crow Bungalow and still offers unique gifts and décor. Footzone, the running and walking store is expanding with a new shop into the former Topolino space at 842 Wall. 1001 Wall will add Hub Cyclery offering bicycle accessories in the former Bella Moda space.