Hey fellow Eugene foodies, guess what? The Old Spaghetti Factory, a beloved dining gem, is setting up shop right here in our town! Mark your calendars for a pasta-tastic opening on January 10th, cozily nestled at 27 East 5th Avenue, the site that was once the Oregon Electric Station.
Adding a touch of historical charm to our article, let's dive into the fascinating past of the Oregon Electric Station, the very building that's about to embrace The Old Spaghetti Factory. This architectural gem, designed by A. E. Doyle, first opened in 1914 as a bustling hub of the electric railway, linking the Willamette Valley and marking a significant milestone in Eugene's history. Headlines of the time hailed it as "the greatest day in the history of Eugene."
However, the station had its curtains drawn for a period, leaving the space silently echoing its vibrant past. Now, this historic landmark, recognized on the National Historic Register, is set for a remarkable transformation. The building, known for its blend of historic allure and culinary delights, is gearing up to reawaken its walls with the lively spirit of The Old Spaghetti Factory.
In its heyday, the Oregon Electric Station Restaurant was a beloved spot, renowned for its blend of local and international flavors. Although it closed its doors for a while, the essence of its legacy lingers. The new chapter with The Old Spaghetti Factory promises to respect and honor this rich history. The restoration and reopening of this space symbolize a seamless melding of Eugene's historical roots with the contemporary gusto of modern dining.
This transition from a once-closed landmark to a rejuvenated dining destination reflects Eugene's evolving landscape, where history and progress dine at the same table. The Old Spaghetti Factory is not just opening a restaurant; it's reviving a piece of our town's heritage, inviting us all to be a part of this exciting new era.
Do you love Oregon?
Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas.
This isn't just any opening; it's happening on The Old Spaghetti Factory's 55th anniversary! Talk about perfect timing. And boy, are we in for a treat. This family-friendly spot is joining the vibrant 5th Street Public Market community, bringing with it a legacy of delicious, homey meals that won't break the bank. Chris Dussin, the Chairman, shared his excitement about becoming part of our community, and I can already smell the pasta cooking!
So, what's the buzz about this place? Imagine tucking into a three-course meal that starts with soup or salad, followed by freshly baked bread (yes, baked daily!), your choice of a scrumptious entrée, and ending with a sweet note of spumoni or vanilla ice cream. My mouth is watering already!
But wait, there's more. Every sauce, soup, and salad dressing is made from scratch every single day. Specialties like Spaghetti with Mizithra Cheese & Browned Butter are just the tip of the iceberg. They've got an array of pasta delights and a kid-friendly menu that's sure to be a hit with the little ones.
With 43 locations nationwide, The Old Spaghetti Factory is a family-owned business, headquartered in Portland, Oregon. They've been dishing out comfort food since 1969 and even have franchises in Japan.
Fun fact: they are the largest importer of Greek Mizithra cheese in the U.S., bringing in a whopping 250,000 pounds annually. Over the years, they've served up over 12 billion feet of spaghetti (enough to reach the moon and back four times!), 23 million pounds of Mizithra cheese, 82 million loaves of bread, nearly two million meatballs, and more than 206 million scoops of Spumoni ice cream. Can you believe it?
So, Eugene, get ready to welcome The Old Spaghetti Factory with open arms and empty stomachs. It's not just a restaurant; it's a slice of culinary history coming to our doorstep. Let's make some memories over plates of pasta and create new traditions, one forkful at a time. Bon appétit!
