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Penzy’s Spices To Open Branch In Pearl District

June 28, 2010 by PDX Food Dude 10 Comments

Penzys Peppercorns

Penzys Spices is heading to Portland’s Pearl district.

According to the information I’ve gotten, the new Penzy’s Spices store will be located across from Powells Books on 120 NW 10th street, next door to the space that will be occupied by Little Big Burger.

If you aren’t familiar with Penzys, they are a large spice company, with retail stores in 24 states. They have had a presence in Oregon since 2005 when they opened a store in Clackamas. I wrote about it at the time, and my overall thoughts haven’t changed:

Things I like:

  • They have tons of stuff. If you haven’t ever gotten a Penzys catalog before you’ll enjoy wandering around and reading the detailed signs on each spice. You don’t go and pick out cinnamon or pepper, you pick between multiple types with different characteristics. Cinnamon? Seven types. Many of the harder to find Mexican, Indian, Pakistani spices are available.
  • Lots of sizes – pre-ground spices have a shelf life of maybe a year or two, so it is best to buy small bottles of things you don’t use often. They have from small size to bulk.
  • Tasters – Almost everything is available in large glass jars that you can stick your nose in to compare varieties as well as taste. This is an education in itself.
  • Prices – About ½ what you would pay in the grocery store. Now that you can get them without doing the mail order thing, you save on shipping too.
  • Staff is well versed and friendly.

Things I don’t like:

  • They don’t carry organic spices. Most spices are generally not available organic, but you can find some at places like New Seasons. (Still true as of 6/10)
  • Not everything is of the highest quality though they generally do a good job. Comparing between what I purchased and what I already had at home, most of the Penzeys stuff was better, even accounting for the age difference. Just smell/taste before you buy.

Related

Filed Under: Portland Food and Restaurant News and Discussion

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristina says

    June 28, 2010 at 11:39 pm

    Wow, well, I am excited for this! I currently order from them, so this is a plus… as far as quality… I like to think I have a seasoned palate, but.. now methinks not so? :)

    …I’m still excited they’re coming to Portland!

    Reply
  2. Irene says

    June 29, 2010 at 9:24 am

    To add legitimacy to the rumor, my grandmother was in the Clackamas store a couple of weeks ago and heard this straight from the horse’s mouth . . . ummm, and by horse I mean the Penzey’s employee.

    Reply
  3. Brian says

    June 29, 2010 at 9:34 am

    NW 14th is not across from Powell’s. The Penzeys store is opening at 120 NW 10th Avenue. They are hiring through their website: http://www.penzeys.com.

    Reply
    • Food Dude says

      June 29, 2010 at 10:40 am

      Oops. Yes, thanks. When I checked the website early this morning, it wasn’t listed yet. Glad to have the confirmation!

      Reply
  4. mzwong says

    June 29, 2010 at 9:36 am

    Their website says it will be on 10th:
    The address:
    120 NW 10th Ave
    Portland, OR 97209

    Store hours:
    Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm
    Sun 11am – 5pm

    Reply
  5. Lindsey says

    June 29, 2010 at 4:32 pm

    Wow, I am so excited for this!! Ever since Spice Road went out of business I’ve been searching for a replacement. The bulk spices at New Seasons just isn’t cutting it for me. Thanks for the heads up!

    Reply
  6. Julie Donaldson says

    July 1, 2010 at 8:43 am

    This is fabulous news. I rarely would drive out to their store on 82nd. Now I can walk to it!!

    Reply
  7. vicki says

    July 1, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    I think they’ll do fabulously well in the Pearl. I’ve visited their store on the east side and it’s awe inspiring.

    Reply
  8. Christine says

    July 2, 2010 at 11:21 am

    I love shopping there, as you can smell and read about everything and buy small amounts to try. However I agree with you FD – I wish they’d address the source of their spices – some spices are preserved with chemical preservatives like ethoxyquin, and there’s nowhere on their site that addresses the source or quality of their products. If only they’d bring in some organic versions, I’d be a happy camper.

    Reply
  9. wine&dine says

    July 4, 2010 at 9:36 pm

    Do you think this is one of those ‘pop-up’ stores we are seeing more often?
    I’ve heard the owner of the building is tough to deal with.

    Would be nice if this works. There are so many empties in The Pearl.
    Maybe they are testing the waters for a larger spot later.

    Reply

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