“Petunia’s Pies & Pastries has become a popular vendor of all-vegan and gluten-free desserts at Portland-area farmers markets and Last Thursday events on Northeast Alberta Street in the last three years. Come January, people will be able to buy its coffeecakes, bundt cakes, cream pies and cookies year-round at its first retail location in downtown Portland’s fast-emerging West End.
On Thursday, Lisa Clark signed a five-year lease for a 1,600-square-foot portion of a larger space at 610 S.W. 12th Ave., which landlords plan to subdivide into three separate storefronts. Clark says construction of the bakery is expected to begin in mid-November, with an anticipated January opening date.
Clark plans to use the space as Petunia’s production kitchen for its wholesale business, which sells baked goods to restaurants and groceries like New Seasons and Whole Foods Markets. The retail storefront will be open Tuesdays through Sundays, including evening hours to cater to the dessert crowd. In addition to regular pastries, Clark plans to make doughnuts and sticky buns on weekends, and there will be a small savory menu along with wine, gluten-free beer and cocktails that can be paired with desserts. The menu will include items that are soy-free, refined sugar-free and nut-free to cater to customers with dietary restrictions.
Petunia’s joins a growing food scene in downtown’s West End. Next door is Ristorante Roma, a popular Italian spot. Further north on Southwest 12th is Gruner, Christopher Israel’s acclaimed European restaurant. And at Southwest 12th and Alder, there’s much speculation about a high-profile restaurant opening in the former Cox Dry Cleaners space.” Photo credit: The Oregonian
Read article on Oregonian’s site here.