We love all of Oregon’s family-owned businesses, but there’s one that’s been creating delicious bread, rolls, and buns for more than 100 years, and it’s an iconic spot that you really “knead” to visit.
If you’ve lived in Oregon for very long, you probably recognize this huge loaf of bread that slowly spins on top of a local bakery. This is Franz Bakery, and it’s been here for more than 100 years.
Gina P/Tripadvisor
Engelbert Franz was just 15 years old when he immigrated to Portland in 1896. His brother Joseph followed in 1898. After working in their uncle’s bakery for a few years, they purchased Ann Arbor bakery, and made their bread deliveries in horse-drawn wagons.
Franz Bakery/Facebook
A few years later, they purchased their uncle’s bakery, United Bakery, and soon added Butter Nut as well.
Franz Bakery/Facebook
In 1912, the Franz Brothers built a brand new store on the corner of 11th and Flanders in Portland, and this flagship store still stands today. This historic photo shows the groundbreaking.
Franz Bakery/Facebook
The iconic spinning bread loaf was installed on top of the store 63 years ago.
Franz Bakery/Facebook
Franz Bakery’s operations are still located at 11th and Flanders…but now they cover five square blocks!
Franz Bakery/Facebook
Throughout the years, the family-owned bakery has grown and grown. From horse-drawn wagons… to these quaint delivery trucks in the 1920s…
Franz Bakery/Facebook
…to huge semi trucks and trailers that deliver bread all over, Franz Bakery now has store locations in seven states, including Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and California.
Joseph Krieg/Google
Of course, you can get Franz bread, rolls, and buns at almost any grocery store, but it’s always fun to visit the outlet store at the original Oregon location in Portland.
Google Address: 340 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97232
As you approach the neighborhood, roll your windows down. You can smell the bread baking!
Franz Bakery/Facebook
Franz Bakery creates the most delicious breads of all kinds. From breakfast breads to organic 9-grain, you probably already have a favorite. The bakery also makes hamburger and hot dog buns, bagels, English muffins, and cookies.
Franz Bakery/Facebook
The bakery hosted field trips way back in the 1950s, and if you grew up anywhere near Portland, you probably remember taking one as a child. Franz Bakery still hosts field trips for 2nd graders.
Franz Bakery/Facebook
Learn more about Franz Bakery on its website, and tell us your memories of this iconic small business in Oregon!
Gina P/Tripadvisor
Franz Bakery/Facebook
Joseph Krieg/Google
Address: 340 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97232
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