Penny Bun Cafe strives to bring fresh new option to Mount Hood

By Brit Allen, The Sandy Standard

The Rhody Subway location has sat vacant for a while now, but recently there has been noticeable activity going on at the empty restaurant. Many locals have been stopping by to get the scoop and offer help, if possible, to the new tenants. 

Those new tenants — Sara and Patrick Strong — plan to open Penny Bun Cafe in the space at 70000 Highway 26, Rhododendron, in August. 

The Strongs have both worked in the food industry for more than 20 years; they actually met while both working at Higgins in Portland in 2001. And when not serving food to others, they have for years enjoyed coming up the mountain to forage mushrooms and recreate. 

On their many visits, the couple has felt there’s something missing from the food scene on Mount Hood. While several places on the mountain offer great burgers, pizza, and other popular dishes, the Strongs see a need for a place where folks can go before or after a day in the wilderness and get something fresh. 

“We feel like this community is ready for something new,” Sara said. 

Penny Bun Cafe — named for a type of mushroom that can be found locally —- plans to offer a drive-thru for coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries and sandwiches in the morning, and American sandwiches with house-smoked meats in the afternoon. Sara described the soon-to-be featured fare as “classic French-style, produce-heavy cooking, featuring seasonal (ingredients).”

“We’re trying to target people hiking around here,” Sara explained. The couple also plans to eventually offer takeaway meals that visitors can take home, heat, and eat as well. 

Though they plan to have a drive-thru, the Penny Bun will also feature an indoor dining space.

The Strongs plan to have the cafe open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day but Tuesday. 

The couple said they’ve already felt very “welcomed” by the community.

“I’m looking forward to being part of this community, and putting smiles on people’s faces with our food,”Patrick said. 

“We just want good, accessible food,” Sara added. “Our menu is going to be what we like to cook. We’re classically trained, but want to make accessible food for all types (of palates).” 

For updates on the Penny Bun Cafe, and to learn more about the menu, visit pennybuncafe.com or find them on social media.