We want to know — what restaurant does Bend need most?

Published 10:30 am Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Hamburger joints, pizza parlors and cocktail bars are easy to come by in Bend. For a city of just over 100,000 people, there’s also an impressive medley of cuisines, from Hawaiian to Mexican and Thai.

But as restaurants and food trucks pop up — and close — at dizzying speeds, it’s worth wondering if some cuisines have reached a saturation point, and if others are being left untapped.

The closing of Joolz left a gaping hole for Middle Eastern food, leaving many diners at a loss for its beloved date cake. Letzer’s Deli answered the call of those asking for a Jewish-style deli but had a short-lived run, opening in 2010 and closing two years later, according to The Bulletin archives.

Two Greek eateries entered the culinary scene last year with Zorba the Greek food truck and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. Ryoshi Sushi & Izakaya is preparing to open in Bend’s Factory Outlet Stores, adding another Japanese restaurant to the culinary profile of Bend’s southeast side.

While the population can’t support all the institutions of a big city, Bend is filled with foodies who love to eat and support local businesses. And it might be able to support the food you’re craving most.

The Bulletin wants to hear from you. What type of restaurant does Bend need? Is a dish, restaurant or cuisine lacking in the current climate? Is the city in need of a dedicated Ethiopian restaurant? An Irish pub? Or more lower-cost franchise options such as the Old Spaghetti Factory?

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Email me at jwright@bendbulletin.com with the subject line “new eats in 2024.” The top answers and an analysis of the results will be published next month. Maybe a budding restaurateur will take your comment as a sign.

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