(Photos courtesy of Old Mill District)
Kevin Pilla cut his teeth in the retail industry working on the East Coast for giants like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Tommy Bahama.
But he’s honed his style in the Pacific Northwest running a boutique shop with a focus on curating diverse, quality products made by good people.
The result? A decade of success in Portland with his store Budd + Finn and a new venture with the same name here in Bend. Pilla’s hugely popular Budd + Finn brand will open a second location in Bend’s Old Mill District in the coming weeks, replacing the Ticket Mill near REI. The Ticket Mill, which sells Old Mill District gift cards and Hayden Homes Amphitheater concert tickets, was absorbed into the district’s second-floor management office earlier this month.
“It’s a perfect fit,” Pilla said of the Old Mill District and Bend. “It’s the demographic I appeal to and something I had been wanting to do. Every small business owner’s dream is to expand. It’s nice other people recognize what you’ve been striving to create.”
At Budd + Finn you’ll find what Pilla calls “classy souvenirs” including T-shirts and glassware, artwork and throw pillows, coffee mugs, stationery and unique Bend-centric gifts.
The store oozes Pacific Northwest and Pilla doesn’t hesitate when asked about his overall style.
“I’m a very nostalgic person so really I look for things that tap into nostalgia – whether it’s taking road trips with your family as a kid or taking road trips now with your own kids, my style has that vintage vibe,” he said.
Budd + Finn has been on the Old Mill District’s radar for a few years, after a realtor suggested in 2019 that the store would thrive in Bend.
Pilla said the timing wasn’t right to open a Bend store then, but he agreed to do some consulting work for the Old Mill District.
“Earlier this year, they approached me again asking if the timing was right,” Pilla said. “The Portland store was humming, so here we are.”
Budd + Finn is named after Pilla’s two rescue dogs.
“Because to me, they represent comfort, everyday living and joy,” Pilla said, adding that his companions are no longer with us, but will live on in name. “That’s what I want in the store.”
Pilla said he plans to be at the store constantly during the first few months after it opens in November.
“I want to meet the customers and the community and hear what they have to say and get feedback,” he said. “I’m the buyer, but the customers influence you. I love hearing comments because it’s like fuel for my soul.”
With Budd + Finn’s arrival, the Ticket Mill now operates out of the Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater management office at 520 SW Powerhouse, Suite 624, above Francesca’s and J.Jill.
The move allows the Ticket Mill to focus almost exclusively on concert tickets and gift card sales, with a limited amount of retail in the new space. It also puts them in the same space as the HHA ticketing team so they have more support on big sales days and with general customer support.
“We’ve been impressed with Kevin’s store in Portland for years and had always hoped to have something in a similar vein,” said Beau Eastes, the Old Mill District’s marketing director. “We’re beyond delighted that he’s bringing Budd + Finn and the shop’s concept of unique and artfully designed gifts and souvenirs to the Old Mill District.”
About the Old Mill District:
Celebrating 20 years as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments, the Old Mill District is located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world. The rich history of the land is coupled with spectacular mountain views, scenic river vistas and an extensive trail system to enjoy the outdoors. More than 55 local, regional, and national retailers and businesses call the Old Mill District home. Bend’s Old Mill District – the most unique shopping, dining, living, and entertainment experience in the region.
