BEND, Ore. – After 17 years of serving the community, 900 Wall, a staple of downtown Bend, has closed its doors for good. The beloved restaurant, known for its modern American cuisine and commitment to sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers, made the announcement on social media Monday night.
In their post, the restaurant expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community, stating, “We did all we could to continue to provide a living for employees, a sense of community for our guests, and a platform for all of the local farmers and producers we’ve worked with for the past 17 years.”
Although the closure came as a shock to many, Downtown Bend Business Association Executive Director Rachel O’Rourke confirmed the news, expressing sadness over the loss of the establishment. “900 Wall will be greatly missed after 17 years of operation in Downtown Bend. It’s always hard to say goodbye to such a beloved part of our community,” O’Rourke wrote in an email to Central Oregon Daily.
The restaurant’s departure left the downtown area with a noticeable void. On Monday night, the menu that usually graced the building’s exterior was gone, and no signage was put up to officially announce the closure. In its place, only a silence that spoke volumes to the many regulars who had come to depend on 900 Wall for both its food and atmosphere.
The social media post from the restaurant hinted at the struggles it had faced, noting, “We are not alone in our struggle this winter and spring, so if you value locally owned restaurants, now is the time to support the wonderful community we have grown with here.” The statement alluded to broader challenges that many small businesses are facing, especially in the current economic climate.
For years, 900 Wall had been a go-to spot in downtown Bend for both locals and visitors, offering everything from its signature fried green beans to a popular happy hour. The restaurant quickly became a favorite gathering place, not only for its food but for the welcoming atmosphere that made it a destination for birthdays, anniversaries, and casual catch-ups.
On social media, many local patrons expressed their sadness and disbelief at the closure, leaving heartfelt tributes to the restaurant. One comment read, “Lump in my throat. So many great memories!! I had the best first date there, catch-ups with close friends, birthday celebrations, quick happy hours, laughter, tears, love… so sad to hear this news.” Another stated, “This is truly bringing me to tears. 900 Wall was my favorite place in town. You all will be so, so missed.”
The historic building, originally constructed in the 1920s, will now sit empty as the Downtown Bend Business Association seeks a replacement that can match the unique charm and community feel that 900 Wall offered. O’Rourke emphasized that the space would not remain vacant for long, as efforts are already underway to find the right fit for the location.
As the Bend community processes the loss of one of its most cherished local spots, 900 Wall’s impact on the local dining scene and the memories it helped create will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
