A Classic Portland Bakery Closed on Thanksgiving

Bob Hicks at Oregon Arts Watch broke the news yesterday that Pearl Bakery, a 23-year old bakery and cafe near Powell’s Books, closed its doors suddenly. In an Instagram post on November 28th, the bakery announced it would be immediately shuttering, and a message posted to the website by president Jared Lester reads, “Although my family and I do not embrace ‘quitting,’ we recognize that moving forward will not be sustainable for the bakery.” The website also clarified that the bakery would be shipping its wholesale products until December 10.

Opened in February of 1997, the bakery specialized in bread and pastries, much of which were shipped out wholesale. In his story, Hicks noted the gibassier as a standout pastry at the cafe, while Michael Russell at the Oregonian lamented the loss of an excellent croissant. Its brioche and ciabatta can be found at restaurants and cafes across town, while some of its bakers went on to open spots like Fleur de Lis Bakery and Little T American Baker.

The closure comes on the heels of the announcement that Byways Cafe, just a few blocks away, would be closing at the end of the year, making a sizable dent in the Pearl District’s breakfast scene. Those craving a croissant in the Pearl District should hold on to Nuvrei for dear life.

• Pearl Bakery [Official]
• Farewell, my sweet gibassier [Oregon Arts Watch]
• One of Portland’s oldest and best bakeries is closing [The O]
• A Portland Breakfast Institution Is Closing Shop [EPDX]