A Conversation with Yukiko McLaughlin
Bend-o Bento Japanese Kitchen
Yukiko McLaughlin, the owner of Bend-o Bento, started the authentic Japanese-style lunch box restaurant on March 11th, 2012. The first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake had a special meaning to her.
Yukiko and her friends organized a fundraising event about two weeks after the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. The Common Table restaurant provided the facility to cook and serve authentic Japanese food to the local community. Thanks to the compassionate supporters of Central Oregon, the group raised over $14,000 in one evening that was donated to support the victims in Japan. After the event, Yukiko and her friends started volunteering to prepare food for the Common Table at the Northwest Crossing Farmers Market as an act of gratitude. Through the experience, she developed an interest in offering the Japanese taste to the community; she decided to open her restaurant.
Bend-o Bento quickly has become a local favorite. It attracted people interested in Japanese food, culture, and language, and those customers brought their friends and co-workers to the business. The menu has expanded over the years. It includes popular items like Teriyaki Chicken Bento, Chicken Katsu (cutlet) Bento, and easy-to-grab things like Spam Musubi and Takoyaki (octopus balls).
Yukiko, who has participated in JASCO since the beginning, has been the face of the Japanese community by welcoming the new residents/visitors to her restaurant and referring them to JASCO events. The restaurant thrived throughout the pandemic by offering take-out services with strict COVID protocol. Dine-in service is now available with eight counter seating inside and two outside picnic tables.
Please say hi to Yukiko and other Japanese staff members and enjoy the tasty food!
Business Hours: Monday to Friday 10:30 am-3:00 pm
Location: 1375 SE Wilson Ave. Ste 105 Bend, OR 97702
(near the T-intersection of 15th and Wilson)
Phone: (541) 323-3357
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