COCC Students Open Seasonal Bakery Kiosk in Bend

Culinary students at the Cascade Culinary Institute are selling fresh pastries and breads every Friday morning this fall.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Baking

Screen-print poster illustration featuring a wicker basket of golden croissants and crusty sourdough bread, evoking seasonal community bakery traditions. — Students from the Cascade Culinary Institute in Bend have launched a seasonal bakery kiosk, providing hands-on retail experience every Friday morning. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you prefer buying goods from student-run businesses in your local community?

Culinary students at the Cascade Culinary Institute have opened a seasonal bakery kiosk in Bend. The student-run shop offers fresh goods every Friday morning through December 4.

Why it matters

This initiative provides students with essential hands-on experience in high-volume production and customer service. By operating in a retail setting, they learn the realities of managing a commercial bakery environment.

The bakery kiosk operates Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Cascade Culinary Institute building. Items are priced between $2 and $4, with a 50 percent discount available for all COCC students.

The players

Central Oregon Community College

This public community college serves the central Oregon region with various vocational and academic programs.

Cascade Culinary Institute

Part of the local college, this institute provides professional culinary training and operates the campus bakery space.

The details

Students prepare muffins and croissants on Thursdays, followed by additional pastries and breads on Friday mornings. Each week, the kiosk features a unique recipe created by the student cohort.

The bakery kiosk is open every Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Students manage production and sales from 6 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. on Fridays.
The bakery will be closed during Thanksgiving week in November 2026.
Operations will conclude for the season on December 4, 2026.

Culture Shift

The rise of campus-based retail outlets reflects a broader shift toward experiential learning in professional education. These programs allow students to bridge the gap between technical training and the demands of the modern service industry.

Residents can purchase student-made baked goods at accessible prices during the Friday morning operating hours. Shoppers should note that the kiosk is expected to sell out quickly and will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday week.

The takeaway

Supporting this student-run project provides local shoppers with affordable access to artisan-style baked goods. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to ensure the best selection before the 10 a.m. closing time.