The redevelopment of the old US Bank building on the corner of 2nd and Main Street in Downtown Hillsboro has been going on for over a year. The 15,000 SF building is coming into the final stretch of construction. The City of Hillsboro gifted the Portland developer who picked the property up over $1,000,000 to help give the building new life. The main feature is an elevator that will take visitors up to the roof top bars and dining spaces, which will be managed by Sizzle Pie, and a brewpub that is yet to be disclosed. The new brewpub will replace Ex Novo who exited the project for greener pastures in New Mexico after committing early on.
Before that rooftop opens, things will get going with the opening of Grand Central Bakery. They will occupy the South end of the building, where there will be an outdoor dining facility. Grand Central is a beloved Oregon company with 7 locations in greater PDX. The Hillsboro location will be their 8th offering.
The bakery’s website speaks to its origins and driving force; to be an artisan bakery. They will undoubtedly bring a great offering to add to Decadent Creations, Favi’s Fabulous Cakes, and a couple of other options locals already enjoy!
In 1989, Gwen Bassetti opened Grand Central Bakery on a hunch: that Seattle was hungry for delicious, hand-crafted rustic bread. From those early days of baking 80 artisan loaves a day in historic Pioneer Square, Grand Central Bakery has grown into an enduring company that produces thousands of loaves a day, delivering to grocers and restaurants throughout Portland and Seattle and drawing devoted customers into its neighborhood cafes. From the GCB website
The Menu could include a vast host of breakfast and lunch items on top of baked goods. Have a look at the menu here.
We look forward to welcoming Grand Central Bakery to Downtown Hillsboro, which could add as many as 50 new food and dining options this year. The area has always had great food options, but this is the year we may become a significant West Coast player for foodies who may come from all over the country! Good things are baking in Hillsboro-
Collective Market has already switched to another bread provider and has cut back on the amount of loaves it offers. Smart. No need for redundancy with a Grand Central right there: Plenty to differentiate Grand Central’s loaves, the market’s bagels, Decadent’s pastries and everyday cakes and Favi’s event centerpieces.
Meanwhile, it wasn’t long ago that my complaints about the lack of a true bread bakery in town (the supermarkets are awful) after Perfection Bakery’s closure were met with obtuse replies like “Well what IS bread, really?” Fool, you know what bread I’m talking about. Was glad when Grand Central’s loaves and baguettes began popping up at Collective, and will be even happier once they’re here for good.
Looking forward to a local bakery.
Nice to have one less empty building. I hope we don’t get in the habit of giving away $$$ to businesses and entertainment groups though. The city needs to prepare for future loss of tax revenues.
While I do see this as the move tp “Pottery Barn” our Main Street and Downtown, Grand Central has proven itself as a great local business, and the background story is compelling – I think this is a nice addition. Thanks for your comments and reads!
Dirk
Grand Central Bakery revealed the brewery is Backwoods Brewing Company, expected to open in the fall.
Ok that answers the question- we heard breakside, barnstormer, now we know- Backwoods! Thanks Brian!
Dirk
That’s half right. More news to come on that one.
Do tell!
So happy to hear Hillsboro is getting Grand Central bakery. Love their breads. Hillsboro is up and coming. I’ve lived here most of my life in Hillsboro and have seen many changes and this is a wonderful place to live and now getting more restaurants in this area is wonderful