Six and a half years ago, Jay Junkin transformed an historic brick building on the corner of Broadway and Delaware into a neighborhood market cafe. The new eatery location, once home to the Delaware Market, quickly gained a reputation as local’s choice for quality food, impressive beer selection and a lively, communal atmosphere.
“We started out small, and the public responded, so we’ve grown,” explains General Manager Aaron Christenson. “We try to be a service to the neighborhood.”
Beginning early November, Eastside Bend residents will have their own Jackson’s Corner in the neighborhood. Soon to occupy the brand new Neff Place building located at 1500 Cushing Drive, Suite 100, the 4,000 square foot space will host a capacity of 100 patrons at any given time. The new location, conveniently located at the corner of Neff and Medical Center Drive, is poised to service the many local neighborhoods as well Saint Charles Hospital, the county’s largest employer.
SunWest Builders began construction on the new building at the end of April and hopes to be finished by mid-to-late October. For their part, Jackson’s Corner will employ between 30 and 35 workers, with most of them being new hires.
“We’ve enjoyed considerable success on the Westside,” says Christenson, who has worked with Junkin for 12 years. “Now, we have an opportunity to do the same on the Eastside. This location came up and it seemed like a good fit.”
Having the luxury of starting with a new building allows the Eastside Jackson’s Corner to upgrade some of its services. The kitchen is more efficient, and there will be more of an emphasis on beverages. The coffee and adult beverage bar is a prevalent feature, located near the entrance. Seven beer taps will pour selections from craft breweries and a new, commercial-grade espresso machine will keep customers caffeinated. And, taking a cue from the Westside location, there will be live music on Friday nights.
Taking over the general manager duties at the Eastside location is Palmer Noble. Noble, a long time friend of Junkin, has worked at the Westside eatery for the past three years. A former engineering student, Noble moved into Central Oregon Community College’s culinary program after seeing the potential in Jackson’s Corner.
“I choose to follow this,” explains Noble. “It’s about being proud of what you do.”
Jackson’s Corner, named after Junkin’s son, prides itself on the connection to the community they have fostered over the last six years. Not only do they cater to the neighborhood, but they try their best to source food locally. The chef buys vegetables from the farmer’s market, and breads come from The Sparrow Bakery.
“We are very interested in touching people’s lives by offering our goods and services,” says Christenson. “And, of course, we want to keep working with the local businesses.”
For their part, Christenson says working with both the City of Bend and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission has been a smooth process.
In addition to the pair of Jackson’s Corners, Junkin is also a partner in downtown’s Thump Coffee, and the new, creativity-inspired app, JUJU.
Jackson’s Corner – Eastside
1500 Cushing Drive, suite 100, Bend • www.jacksonscornerbend.com
Owner: Jay Junkin
General Manager: Palmer Noble
Employees: 30-35 new hires
Opens: Early November
Products/Services: Locally-sourced foods and beverages
Hot News: Second location to open this fall.
Outlook for Growth: Looking to build upon their successful reputation.
