While razor-thin margins and a competitive market forced some restaurateurs to shutter their businesses in 2023, others were putting the final touch on their business plans.
A handful of eateries are slated to open this month and there’s much to look forward to eating in Central Oregon in 2024.
Here are the eateries we’re excited to try in the new year:
Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge
Celebrity chef Brian Malarkey and his brother James Malarkey are set to open Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge in the former space of Walt Reilly’s on Century Drive in early 2024. A press release described the forthcoming restaurant as a “steakhouse with a modern cowboy aesthetic.” The Malarkey brothers look forward to paying tribute to Oregon, where they were both raised on a ranch — Brian in Tumalo and James in Scappoose.
The menu will feature venison, elk, boar, quail, Oregon wild-caught salmon and trout. Brian said in a press release, “It’s been my lifetime dream to come home and cook great food for my friends and give the community another amazing place to share stories, shoot the breeze and celebrate life.” 225 SW Century Drive, Bend
C.R.A.V.E. Bend
Just down the street on Century Drive, C.R.A.V.E. Bend is expected to open in the former building of the SEA Crab House in January. Husband and wife team Jeff Taber and Sandy Egge will be serving artisan tacos, functional coffee and fresh-pressed juice with ample vegetarian and vegan options. Egge is a clinical nutritionist with a naturopathic background who takes a nutritional approach to food. The couple previously planned to open a cafe in Sisters until the city informed them that the location did not qualify for outdoor seating, Taber said in a Facebook post. 335 SW Century Drive, Bend
Redmond Food Park
Hoss Talebi has listened to those asking for a booze-free gathering place and plans to launch the Redmond Food Park this month. Despite the fact others have told him the business won’t be successful without alcohol, Talebi is committed to offering a comfortable space for teenagers and those who choose not to imbibe. Alternative drinks such as boba tea and fresh juice will be served at the alcohol-free food cart pod, Talebi said. 122 SW Fifth St., Redmond
Honies Thai Food
Chef Kaew Sumner opened Honies Thai Food in the former location of The Growler Guys inside the Shell gas station Highway 20 on Monday. Sumner was raised in Thailand is the founder and previous owner of A Taste of Thailand. Honies Thai Food serves curries, stir fry noodle dishes, soups and salads. In an email to The Bulletin, a representative of the restaurant said, “Chef Kaew draws inspiration from her grandmother and mother’s time-honored recipes, infusing each dish with the authentic flavors and rich traditions of her heritage.” The business is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. 2699 US-20, Bend
Pinky G’s Pizzeria
With three other locations in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Pinky G’s Pizzeria is inching closer to opening its restaurant in Bend. The pizza parlor’s New York-style has been featured twice on “Diner’s, Drive-In’s & Dives.” Pinky G’s has unveiled its menu on its website and is announcing updates on social media. 719 SE Third St., Bend
BAR RBC
Incorporation documents were filed in September for BAR RBC in the building that formerly housed Dogwood Cocktail Cabin in downtown Bend, Willamette Week reported in October. The papers were filed by co-owners of Rancher Butcher Chef, including chef John Gorham. 147 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend
Real Taste of India
Shilo Inns is ushering in a new Indian food option in Bend with Real Taste of India. At the time of writing, an employee of the hotel said the restaurant was scheduled to open Monday. 3105 O. B. Riley Rd., Bend
Read more on The Bulleton.
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