(Photo above: Spork lobby | photo courtesy of Spork)
Erica Reilly, general manager and owner of Spork, says the intent of their recent expansion was “not to make a bigger restaurant. If you’ve been in Spork during peak hours you know that it can get very crowded in there…we wanted to spread everything out and make it more comfortable and enjoyable for customers by adding 12 seats and some patio space.”
Additional storage space for restaurant goods has been an benefit.
About the planning process Reilly says, “We were really excited to work with some very talented people we knew on the design and build of our re-imagined space. While function was the number one reason for expanding, raising the bar a bit more in terms of form and design were absolutely in mind.”
Using the same team from the original build in 2012, Reilly says, “Chris Veatch, general contractor of Basalt Holdings, took great pride in every detail and did much of the work himself, including the booth structures, and cloud/fan on the ceiling.”
Reilly delightfully relayed that, “Piper Lucas and Gary Holbrook of Holbrook Design were patient with the ever evolving look and multiple iterations until the final product was at last envisioned.”
Tom Friedman, master carpenter, and Matt Korish and Billy Burks, metal fabricators, were mentioned as talented collaborator on the expansion. “Working with local craftsmen and artists is one of our favorite parts of having a business here in Bend.”
With all the hubbub of a build out, Spork only closed for a five day stretch to refinish the floors and complete the final stages including the ceiling cloud/fan. All the other stages were completed while the business was in operation, which kept their clientele happy.
This year, Spork has accumulated quite the accolade run sheet. Reilly says, “We were voted Best Lunch in the 2015 Source Reader Poll and runner up for Best Casual Dining and Best Ethnic.” They were given the People’s Choice award in the 2015 Restaurant Guide, in year’s past they have won Best Chef Runner Up and Best Chow Cart and Yelp consistently places them in the top 10 restaurants to visit in Bend.
From their roots in a 1962 Airstream Tradewind food cart to their globally inspired, affordable food and beverages served at their recently expanded Newport location, Reilly credits her staff for the restaurants accolades and success. “We feel fortunate to have the incredible staff that we do. Hospitality is one of our greatest joys, which is sometimes tricky with the counter-service model. The people working at Spork take great care in serving our wonderful community, which makes a big difference in the guests’ experience.”
Spork’s two year anniversary will shepherd an all renewable energy program thru Blue Sky and keep an eye out around town for their recently remodeled original food trailer.
541-390-0946
937 NW Newport, Bend
