JinJu’s last day will be Dec. 28, the company announced on social media. The bakery said it hopes to return in the future, likely in a new location.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Just months after winning a James Beard Award, Portland’s JinJu Patisserie announced Friday it will close its North Williams Avenue shop at the end of the year.
The bakery opened in 2019 and quickly gained a following for its croissants and desserts. It earned national recognition as a finalist for the 2024 James Beard Awards, then won the national award for Outstanding Bakery in June.
JinJu’s last day will be Dec. 28, the company announced on social media. The bakery said it hopes to return in the future, likely in a new location.
“We’ve been searching for a new home for JinJu Patisserie for quite some time,” the company said. “We almost signed a seven-year lease on a state-of-the-art facility, but uncertainty around the economy, our health, and the steep financial obligations made us reconsider such a significant commitment. We believe that by staying true to our core values, in a city we love so much, we need to remain boutique and flexible.”
The small shop, located near the intersection of North Mason and Shaver streets, is known for long lines during peak hours, with customers often waiting outside. It sits just down the street from the restaurant Eem.
When owners Jin Caldwell and Kyurim Lee returned to Portland after the James Beard ceremony, a line of customers stretched down the block to welcome them home.
“We have been so fortunate to accomplish our goals beyond our expectations over the past six years, and now it’s time for a new chapter,” the company said. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community and thankful for our team, who cheered us on during both the good times and the challenging ones.”
Currently, the team behind JinJu is searching for new space, “If you know of a second-generation bakery/restaurant in East Portland, or other retail space that could be modified into a bakery, or even an older home that could be used as a micro-bakery, please message us on IG or email us at jinjupatisserie@gmail.com.”
