Earlier this month, a reader emailed me with the question, “Have you heard anything about the previous Pizza Schmizza spot on NW 21st (construction is well underway on something)?” I did a little research and checked out the location last week, and something is indeed afoot there: Ken’s Artisan Bakery ANNEX is opening there—just a couple doors up from the current bakery (Rudy’s Barbershop is between the storefronts) space. Both production and retail aspects will be affected.
But First, Pizza Schmizza
As mentioned above, this location was home to Pizza Schmizza, which, according to Yelp, was there as far back as 2006 but with a reopening in 2010 after new owners took over. It looks like they closed in 2022, amid some unfortunate drama.
ANNEX Demolition and Permits
Demolition on the site started in October 2023, with PKNW Construction at the helm. Their description of the project is straight and to the point: “Ken’s Artisan bakery is expanding next door.” PKNW said last week that they are “getting closer and closer to opening,” so my guess is that we are looking at sometime in October 2024. I have reached out to the folks at Ken’s Artisan to ask about the ANNEX but have not gotten a response from them.
Looking into permits, a number of them have been issued in 2024 for this project. The most interesting details to me as an eater and customer are specifications for new service and dining areas. I hope the new production kitchen expansion will make it easier for Ken’s Artisan Bakery staff to do their work (having worked in a bakery production kitchen in an earlier life, I remember the value of additional space), not to mention increased output.
I also spied a pizza oven (“Pizza Master”) in the equipment/floor plan submitted to the City of Portland (click to enlarge).
The empty space on the left is likely Rudy’s Barbershop.
Here’s the service/dining area—this design offers 20 seats spread across tables, banquettes, and window seating.
So what does this mean for the original Ken’s space at 338 NW 21st Avenue? Perhaps they will expand seating there—I stopped in last Friday morning and the lines were continual, for over 30 minutes and seating was in short supply at times.
At least one of the permits issued had to do with the exhaust system, including ducts and fans. I’m not really knowledgeable about the ins and outs of this aspect of the business, but the extent to which it was sketched out and focuses on makes me think this is a major deal to them. I hope it will enhance the work they do in the production kitchen
The Interior: Photos
On September 10, PKNW posted some photos of their work on the space—here is one that shows the banquettes along the wall that are indicated in the illustration above.
Here’s the shape of the space in July 2024, very much under construction, with framing installed.
And here it was in April 2024.
And this was during demolition in October 2023.
I’m very much looking forward to seeing the final reveal and stopping in to check it out. I welcome hearing from the folks at Ken’s, as I’d love to expand this article; I will pass on any info I receive from them. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy their excellent bread and pastries when I’m in NW Portland.
UPDATE 1/16/25: They posted on their Instagram on January 16 with news that they are opening: “It’s about time! We’re opening the doors at our new spot, Ken’s Artisan Bakery Annex (320 NW 21st Ave) from 7am – 2pm Friday through Sunday. We’ll have bread, pastries and a limited lunch/ breakfast menu. Hope to see you there!”
Ken’s Artisan Bakery ANNEX [opening January 17, 2025]
320 NW 21st Avenue, Portland
Ken’s Artisan Bakery website | Instagram | Facebook
Updated January 16, 2025.
Meg Cotner
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