The restaurant industry never stays the same, as evidenced by this week's rumor mill. First up is the Old Mill Martini Bar space above Saxons Fine Jewelers, which has been empty since the Martini Bar vacated it two years ago. We've been waiting patiently for another Old Mill bar that's open past 10p.m., and if rumors are correct, our patience will pay off in the next couple of weeks. We hear that a new bar called Level 2 will be opening another chic bar/lounge and will appease cocktail lovers who don't want to trek downtown as well as those seeking a nightcap after dining by the river. Aida Long, who is involved in 5 Fusion, will likely head the venture.
We also hear that there may be another brewery arriving on the already competitive brewing scene. Take this with a grain of salt as it's a third-hand rumor, but an out-of-town established brewery is looking to open a brewpub outpost on the westside, possibly in Century Center. As Bend doesn't have any brewpubs that aren't local, it should be interesting to see the reaction to a newcomer. But if it's one of the quality Eugene or Portland breweries like Ninkasi or BridgePort, we wouldn't mind the addition - Central Oregon has plenty of beer connoisseurs to go around.
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While beer and cocktail lovers will be happy with the above additions to Bend's dining scene, it was a sad week for specialty doughnut lovers. The Dough Nut, the voodoo doughnut-style baker who was selling his doughnuts at Jackson's Corner, Riverside Market, Backporch Coffee and Bond Street Market, has lost his baking space. Kirk Heppler, the man behind the Dough Nut, was baking at Jackson's Corner, but we hear it was too much for the small kitchen to handle. Heppler is on the lookout for a new kitchen to create his maple bars with bacon and other specialty doughnuts.
Riley's Market in NorthWest Crossing has closed its doors. Riley's was the only grocer in NWX and its closing is a hard pill to swallow for the neighborhood, who will have to trek to Newport Market or Devores for fresh produce, beer and wine and Cuppa Yo for frozen yogurt. Riley's Market tried unsuccessfully to sell before closing, but to no avail. Here's hoping another community-minded business opens in Riley's place - and knows that it's got some big shoes to fill.
