PORTLAND, Ore. — A popular dessert bar in Northeast Portland is shutting down after 21 years of business. Pix Patisserie is set to close its doors in late August.
Owner Cheryl Wakerhauser announced she is retiring, but she doesn't plan to leave the pastry world entirely.
At the age of 25, Wakerhauser started Pix Patisserie at the Portland Farmer's Market back in 2001. With help from her business partners, she later opened the shop's original location on Division Street.
Over the past two decades, the dessert bar with quirky decorations has become a go-to spot for families, first dates, and just about anyone with a sweet tooth. From traditional French pastries, to beer floats, tapas and cocktails, their unusual menu has grabbed the attention of many through the years.
RELATED: Quirky vending machines rebound in Portland after COVID closures, expand to Astoria, Las Vegas
But aside from the food and drinks, Wakerhauser most fondly looks back at the community events the dessert bar has regularly organized.
"Some of my favorite memories are and will be the events and parties we've held," Wakerhauser said in a news release, recalling Bastille Day block parties and Flamenco Friday events.
Despite the closure, the dessert bar's two Pix-O-Matic vending machines will continue to serve trademark treats. Wakerhauser said her staff will stock the machines daily, so no one will be let go. People will also be able to special order large cakes for pick ups.
So what's next for Wakerhauser? After taking some time to travel the world, she plans to open a cooking school focused on French pastries next year. Wakerhauser said she got the idea after seeing some large cooking schools in Portland close.
"I've had so many interns and so many employees come from those schools over the past years," she said. "I just want to have a very small group of students and [to] be hands on, and be able to talk to them one-on-one and have them learn something."