Exciting New Taphouse and Food Truck Pod Launching in South Bend: Your Next Culinary Adventure Awaits!

Taphouse and Food Truck Pod Set to Launch in South Bend

A new dining spot with an aviation twist is on its way to southwest Bend. Dubbed Hangar 97, this food truck pod and taphouse will be located at the corner of Murphy Road and Silverado Springs, right next to the Bend RV Resort.

While the site is currently just an empty lot, developers are gearing up to break ground in early 2026. Larry Kine, one of the project’s developers and owner of Kine & Kine Properties, expresses excitement about the plans. “This is going to be a very unique food truck lot,” he says.

The main building will resemble an aircraft hangar, complete with aviation-themed décor. There will be a stage for live performances, and a lively “sports bar” atmosphere featuring plenty of TVs for game-day viewing.

Outdoor spaces will include cozy seating areas with gas fire pits, accommodating up to 250 people—100 inside and 150 outside. Kine has teamed up with Steve Davidson, owner of The Bite in Tumalo, to organize the food truck lineup, which will feature six trucks, including one dedicated to desserts. Expect to find a variety of delicious options like burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and stuffed waffles.

To complement the food, the taphouse will serve craft cocktails and drinks-to-go. The building will also include cold storage for food truck operators to keep their supplies fresh.

Davidson emphasizes a need for more dining options in south Bend, especially with the nearby Caldera High School. “There just aren’t a lot of good food options down there. This will be a great fit for the community,” he notes.

In line with modern community trends, Kine hopes that residents will walk or bike to Hangar 97. Construction could start as early as March or April, depending on the permitting process. Both the food hall and a nearby pickleball facility might be ready by next summer, given a swift construction timeline.

The pickleball center, called the Bend Pickleball Academy, aims to be cutting-edge, complete with cameras and screens for players to view their games and instant replays.

While the city of Bend reviews permit applications for the project, there have been some local concerns regarding noise and traffic. Kine is committed to being considerate neighbors. Davidson reassures residents, saying, “We will be respectful. I will always take feedback if there’s an issue.”

Also nearby, over 100 affordable housing units are planned at Murphy Crossing, along with a prospective indoor RV storage facility on a separate 3.5-acre plot. “There’s a big need for RV storage in Central Oregon,” Kine points out, considering the region’s increasing population.

As the project moves forward, it highlights a growing trend in urban areas focusing on community spaces that blend food, leisure, and local engagement. Community-driven initiatives like Hangar 97 show how developers are responding to local needs while inspiring a vibrant social atmosphere.

For more detailed information on community developments, visit City of Bend’s Planning Department.

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