Portland's eminent Ken's Artisan Pizza plans expansion to Central Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The eminent Portland restaurant atop numerous roundups of the best pizza is expanding to Deschutes County.

On Thursday, Ken’s Artisan Pizza disclosed its plans to open an additional eatery in Bend’s downtown area later this fall. The restaurant will be found in the Downing Building on 1033 NW Bond St.

“The new 2,800-square-foot Bend location will feature 17.5-foot ceilings and an open, airy space thanks to the removal of a mezzanine,” Ken’s Artisan Pizza said in a release. “The restaurant will be outfitted with the same Le Panyol oven as the Portland location, crafted by the same artisan.”

The pizzeria was founded by Ken Forkish in 2006, years after he opened the companion bakery. He went on to secure several James Beard nominations and one award for his role as an “outstanding” pastry chef and baker.

Forkish then sold the pizzeria to Peter Kost in January 2022. In the time since, the new owner — and Executive Chef Vince Krone — have watched the business rise to new heights.

Italian organization 50 Top Pizza has repeatedly named the Portland company among the best pizzerias in the U.S. and in the world. The pizzeria also received the Green Oven award for its commitment to sustainability.

So the Bend expansion only makes sense.

“We are thrilled to bring the authentic Ken’s Artisan Pizza experience to Bend,” Kost said of the announcement. “The historic Downing Hotel building provides the perfect backdrop for our artisanal pizzas, and we look forward to becoming a part of this community.”

The Downing Building, named after early-1900s entrepreneur William Philander Downing, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. It is recognized as one of Bend’s only remaining examples of early 20th century, commercial-style architecture.

The historic building is slated to welcome Ken’s Artisan Pizza this November.