Franz turns 120: Why its outlet deals are worth the trip
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In 1906, three Austrian-born brothers purchased their uncle's bakery, launching what became Franz Bakery — a Portland institution known for producing nearly a million buns and rolls per day at its five-block headquarters in Kerns.
The big picture: Franz has grown into one of the West's largest family-owned bakeries over the last 120 years. It now has multiple brands under its umbrella and sells dozens of pantry staples, including classic and specialty loaves as well as a variety of baked goods.
- To celebrate its 120th birthday, on Tuesday from 9am to 3pm, Franz will host behind-the-scenes tours of its bakery and will have a block party featuring its grilled cheese machine and hot dog cart.
Yes, but: While Portlanders have the perk of smelling freshly baked bread anytime we're around Northeast 12th Avenue, we also have access to the bakery outlets, where you can find nearly everything Franz has to offer at steep discounts.
Here are a few of our favorite deals.
First off, upon entering, head to "Today's bargains," typically shelves packed with products lined in the back of the store.
- There you will find about-to-expire or slightly damaged items selling two for $4 or less. This is the perfect place to eye things that you will use right away or that can hold up in the freezer — think loaves of multigrain bread or English muffins.
Next up: The bread wall. Even though most area grocery stores carry the more popular Franz breads, the outlets have the full line-up.
- I was pleasantly surprised to see the sourdough half loaves ($1.50), Hawaiian rolls ($3), honey oat and nut ($3), and Western Farms deli rye ($1.75) all selling for nearly half the price of their grocery counterparts.
And finally, get yourself a treat. I'm a big fan of Franz's powdered-sugar, raspberry-filled doughnuts, but I didn't know there were more varieties — lemon-, cherry-, blueberry- and Neapolitan-filled (mind-blowing) — all six-packs for $3.
- There are also frosted animal cookies for the kiddos ($3.50), soft-baked cookies ($3 for nine), Dunford chocolate chip muffins ($5 for six), and cinnamon swirl bread ($4.50).
All in all, I walked out with five items totaling $11. It felt like stealing.