Tucked in the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and 11th Street, in the heart of Bend’s west side, the smell of cinnamon rolls, pies and fresh bread fills the air amongst the locals and visitors in line for a table or a grab-and-go item and a beverage. The bakery, named after the first owner, Nancy Pfeiffer, opened their doors to the Bend community in the year 2001 and quickly established a following with their delicious scones, frittatas, beautifully decorated cookies, cupcakes and famous, savory breakfast pockets. Nancy P’s also became a popular lunch spot for shoppers at Newport Market and customers looking for a light meal of soups, salads and healthy sandwiches.
Current owners Katy and Tommy Clabough often frequented the bakery and over time became friends with the owners, Nancy and Steve. In 2011, the Pfeiffers approached the Clabough’s about buying the business from them and when the keys were handed over, it became the Clabough’s little dream come true. As a professionally trained chef and baker, working in well-established Bend restaurants, Tommy was a natural in the scratch kitchen. He trained with Nancy and Steve for several months while Katy tackled the front of house logistics, learning everything from longtime employees and perfecting her espresso drinks.
While the Clabough’s knew a lot of people in Bend, it was now their turn to connect with ‘Nancy P’s community’ where they had once been paying customers. Nancy P’s patrons consist of a mix of college students, working professionals, parents, tourists and retirees who enjoy meeting friends and family over a light lunch or a sweet treat with an afternoon cup of coffee.
Services also include breakfast and lunch catering and custom orders such as cookies and cake orders for every occasion. As with any small business, there have been memorable struggles and moments of true strength.
During the pandemic shutdown in 2020, Nancy P’s stayed open and utilized a never-used side window on the patio where customers lined up, paid and picked up items in a safe manner. “The side window saved our business during COVID,” says Katy. “Our customers were very supportive and kept our business alive,” she adds. People consistently ordered breakfast items like quiche, scones and breakfast pockets to go and sandwiches, salads and desserts in the afternoon.
In that same year, Nancy P’s fed first responders and evacuees to Central Oregon during the wildfires that devastated many areas of the state.
Keeping it Local
Operating a business in a city that is very community minded, the Clabough’s are extremely committed to putting money back into the Central Oregon economy by using local purveyors and vendors. A cup of coffee at the bakery comes from Bend’s longest running roastery, Bellatazza. Metolius Teas and My Chai join products like eggs sourced from Well Rooted Farms and fruits and vegetables from Rooper Ranch in Redmond. Customers dining inside are surrounded by local periodicals and art made by Central Oregon artists. Everything the bakery does from opening to close, every day of the week begins with the local community in mind and is always served with a smile.
When you visit Nancy P’s, you will notice right away the art on the walls and the stained glass in the windows. This art represents the work of local artisans, and most is for sale, with new art rotated in every three months. “We love supporting our local artists and they receive 100% of the proceeds of the sales,” Katy says. “It’s so exciting when a piece sells!”
“From the pocket dough to the cinnamon rolls, pies crusts and sandwich breads—everything is made from scratch with love starting at 2am every morning, seven days a week”, says Katy.
NancyPs.com
Favorite Nancy P's Menu Items
- Egg Pockets with Veggies or Meat (customer favorite!)
- Hand-Boiled Bagels
- Fruit Bars
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Croissants
- Homemade Pies (sold only as whole pies)
- Custom Decorated Cupcakes
- Gluten-Free Brownies, Cupcakes & Macaroons
- Sandwiches, Salads and Soup
- Muffins
- Bellatazza Coffee
- Metolius Teas and My Chai