Petunia's to Open Brick-and-Mortar Bakery Downtown

Gluten-free and vegan bakery Petunia's Pies & Pastries — which currently sells its goods at the Portland Farmers Market — will open a brick-and-mortar bakery/storefront in early January. According to an email blast, owner Lisa Clark has signed a long-term lease in the West End for a production kitchen and retail storefront. In addition to Petunia's familiar baked goods (vegan cookies, cupcakes, breakfast pastries, and hand pies), the spot will offer a small savory menu (sandwiches, salads), as well as wine, beer, and cocktails to draw an after-dinner-dessert-seeking crowd. Clark plans for 25 seats and a long bakery counter with a retro feel: "The whole feel of the place will be Petunia's to a T — a bit retro '60s, fun, color yet simple, clean, classy and comforting."

The project marks yet-another Farmers Market favorite to go brick-and-mortar (Clark notes that the process was two-and-a-half years in the making). Construction on the bakery begins in November, with a tentative opening date of January 2013. Tentative hours: 9a.m. to 11p.m., daily.
· Petunia's Pies & Pastries [Official site]

Image of Petunia's new storefront courtesy Facebook