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- Bob’s Red Mill – Milwaukie, Oregon
I took a drive out to Bob’s Red Mill last week to do a little shopping and thought you might like to come along to see this amazing place. They ship their huge product line all over the country and the headquarters of their operation is right here in Portland, Oregon. Bob’s Red Mill has been bringing its customers the best in whole grain products for over 30 years. I don’t think there are many serious food bloggers who haven’t heard of Bob’s Red Mill and tried items from their vast product line. Bob says it was the commitment of his wife of over 50 years, Charlee, to feed their family healthy, unprocessed food that led to the founding of their company. In 1988 a fire destroyed their original store in Oregon City and they began the construction of a 320,000 square foot manufacturing facility that covers over seventeen acres. The Red Mill is easily accessible from anywhere in Portland and is a stop you want to make if you are visiting the area. You can enter your zip code here to find stores in your area that carry Bob’s Red Mill products.
Featuring the entire Bob’s Red Mill product line, plus kitchen essentials, bulk foods, books and nutritional information, the store is a food lover’s paradise. If you have questions or need advice on any of their products, just ask one of the friendly staff. If you timing is good you might even see Bob or hear him playing his beloved piano.
The mill’s slow turning quartz, cool grinding millstones can be finely calibrated to create nutritious flours in a wide variety of textures from every size grain found in cultivation.
The Whole Grain Store, kitchen, bakery and Visitor’s Center cover over 15,000 square feet.
Bob’s 81st birthday was a very special occasion for his company. Rather than receiving gifts, he decided to give his greatest gift away — his business. Bob surprised all his employees by giving them total ownership of Bob’s Red Mill through an Employee Share Ownership Program (ESOP). For those who know Bob, it’s another example of his kind-hearted generosity. As Bob puts it “It was just the right thing to do. I have people that have worked with me for over 30 years and each and every one of them deserve this.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to work for someone who thought that way?
The company produces an ever expanding line of gluten-free products. More information about their manufacturing facility and product line can be found here and here. Maintaining a gluten free diet isn’t a lifestyle choice for many Americans. It’s a medical necessity for those who have Celiac Disease. Gluten free diets have also been discovered by parents of autistic children to yield positive behavioral effects. The company has responded to this growing need by increasing the number of gluten free products that they sell, now over 50 products, and offer unmatched selection and nutrition to those who depend on it most.
The store carries all of the company’s products so there is a lot to see and learn. You can easily spend several hours browsing the aisles and I always buy more than I think I will.
The bulk food section holds hundreds of The Red Mill’s products. I like buying this way because I can try a small amount of something new or buy a specific amount for a particular recipe.
There are lots of interesting pieces of old milling equipment decorating the store.
The bakery and kitchen serve delicious meals made with company products. There is a very comfortable place to get a meal or quick snack inside the store or on a nice day you can sit outside and enjoy a lovely view from the patio.
I hope you have enjoyed this little excursion to Bob’s Red Mill. I love writing about my city and hope you will plan to visit some day soon.
Here are a few blog posts that feature the greater Portland area and what it has to offer.
Portland ~ What to do, Where to stay
Travel Notes: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
Oregon’s Scenic Columbia Gorge and Multnomah Falls
Portland’s International Rose Test Gardens at Washington Park
Portland’s Thriving Food Cart Culture
This post is linked to:
Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farm
Seasonal Sunday at The Tablescaper
On The Menu Monday at StoneGable
Yes, I do love Bob’s Red Mill products. How I’d love to visit this place. King Arthur Flour is also on my foodie places to visit bucket list. Lucky you, for having this so close to home.
Foodiewife recently posted..Ridiculousy Easy Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Wow! What a great store. One could wander the aisles for a very long time!
Kate recently posted..Beef Stroganoff
That was fun entering my zip code and then I saw the packaging and realized I have these products just down the street! I will give them a try. What a gorgeous building. I love any foodie shopping!
Jacqueline recently posted..Mother’s High Heels Done in Chocolate
I have often bought Red Mill products and would someday love to go to their mill, or make that even to Oregon.
bellini recently posted..Gazpacho in a Glass with Dungeness Crab and Avocado Salsa from Whitewater Cooks with Friends
I hope you make it to Portland one day too, Val. I know you would enjoy your visit.
Cathy recently posted..A Trip to Bob’s Red Mill
I’m going there next week with a friend. Can’t believe it’s taken me so long! I love their products!
How crazy is it that I’ve never been there. I really need to make the time for a trip there. Happy Mother’s Day Cathy! See you at the Farmer’s Market soon. xoxo
Pam recently posted..Cilantro-Lime Marinated Flank Steak
I buy a lot of Red Mill flours at my local Sprouts. I love it!
That looks like a great way to spend an afternoon! I’ve been seeing Bob’s pop up in more and more stores, his success is a great story:@)
It looks just as I would have pictured it to look and so does Bob. I would recognize him anywhere from his picture on his packaging. His operation and buildings reminds me a little of Vermont style. Thanks for taking us along today Cathy. I had a great time.
Hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..Blackberry Jam in Honor of my Mother for Mother’s Day
What a great write up Cathy. I had no idea Bob’s was in Oregon. I could browse that store for hours!
Lea Ann recently posted..Campechana, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
I’ve heard (and bought) Bob’s products over the years and they are high quality — our local grocery carries some of them. Thanks for this post — I learned things about Bob that I didn’t know! (For all I knew it was a Kellog’s company!)
LInderhof recently posted..Tea In the Garden
So nice to see what’s behind the labels:) What a beautiful spot,enterprise..and I was so touched to see what he did on his birthday..wow..
Thank you..I just learned so much.
Monique recently posted..Delicious Make ahead buns~ and their bags~
What a wonderful field trip. There are so many things to look at and classes too. It would be so much fun to taking some classes. Thanks for taking me along.
Very cool! I had no idea. I read and hear so much about King Arthur Flour but I loved learning more about Bob’s. Thank you.
Mom24@4evermom recently posted..Meal Plan–Mother’s Day and Beyond…
What a great story about giving the business to the employees. I’ve never tried their products but they are available in Knoxville. Thanks for letting us know about them.
Larry recently posted..East Hampton Clam Chowder
It is like an amusement park for foodies! I would love to visit some day, thanks for sharing your trip.
Rhonda (@diningalone) recently posted..Favorite Things #20 – Corn on the cob
I LOVE Bob’s Red Mill and have been there several times–especially when I am craving their grits:)
Yes, I have been blessed to meet Bob–he is super personable! When I go, I love to eat up in the loft section upstairs and then afterwards feel my cart full of their products.
Thanks for the tour–now in addition to Yorkshire pudding, I am craving grits…bog browsing can make one so hungry in the morning!
Blessings, AImee
Oops! Blog browsing–not bog browsing….
Aimee
What a great place to visit! Looks like fun, too. Never knew you could visit, I’ve used the products from the supermarket.
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook recently posted..Baked Fish with Fresh Herbs and Bread Crumbs
What a great post! It makes me want to move to Portland and work for Bob!! I love all their products so much. We do some gluten free in my house, and we love Bob’s pancake mix!!
Lisa recently posted..Dollar Store Pumpkin Bread
What a fantastic post; lucky you to live in that area. I love Bob’s Red Mill products; everyone is top quality. i would probably have gone nuts visiting this place. What a great person this gentleman is. Wish you didn’t love so far; would love to visit Portland.
Rita
Wonderful that you shared your trip. I enjoyed being along for the ride. Thanks
~ ~ Ahrisha~ ~ recently posted..She’s Gone . . .
Oh wow, thanks so much for sharing this wonderful trip. Finally, I got to witness it with my own eyes. It’s not easy to get the product here but yes, in Singapore. However, wishing you a very Happy Mother’s Day, Cathy. Enjoy & have loads of fun & laughter.
Blessings
Kristy
kristy recently posted..Jaffa Cake
What a wonderful post! I would love to visit your beautiful country one day but at the moment, I’ll enjoy reading about it in your blogposts:D Hope you have a wonderful Mother’s day on Sunday:D
Jeannie recently posted..Happy Bread
Looks like a great field trip! I have bought his products at the super market once in awhile.
Happy Mother’s Day, Cathy!
Kathleen recently posted..Let’s Dish #8 Mother’s Day Challenge~ Here’s To Mom!
Cathy, how fun! I think I would go crazy at Bob’s! Can I come visit you and take a outing to Bobs? 🙂
The Café Sucré Farine recently posted..Love at First Bite – Strawberry Balsamic Pizza w/ Roasted Chicken, Sweet Onion and Applewood Smoked Bacon
This is the kind of adventure I love and since I use the products, I know I would have liked this one.
Linda recently posted..Remembering the Mothers
It has to be so nice to be able to buy from the bulk section. I see recipes all the time that I would like to try but I think to myself…what am I going to do with the rest of the bag. Buying just what you need is wonderful.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..Crab Cakes With Mango Sweet Chili Salsa
That place looks amazing8 I love Bob’s Red Mill but I’m used to seeing only a small display in the grocery store. I could go crazy there! You’re lucky to be so close. 🙂
Betty @ scrambled henfruit recently posted..Honey Apricot Bran Muffins
I have several bags of Bob’s Red Mill products in my pantry! I also wish we had a larger selection but I’m happy for what we do find here.
What a wonderful thing to do for his employees!
Hope you’re having a wonderful Mother’s Day, Cathy!
Susan recently posted..Parsley and Chive Pull Apart Rolls
Thanks for posting this. I had a fun time reading about your trip to the store. I will put this on my must see list if ever I find myself in Portland, Oregon!
Our Eating Habits recently posted..Simply Good Eats- Calgary
Oh I would happily stay here all day and come home with a suitcase filled with goodies. How wonderful to have it nearby where you live. I use some of their products, but they must have a fabulous selection right at the store.
ciaochowlinda recently posted..Bresaola
Cathy, how fun was that?!!!! I would have gone crazy in the store. Love those products and thank Whole Foods for carrying a lot of them, but my oh my, I would have loved to have been there with you.
Barbara recently posted..Bittersweet Chocolate Sorbet with Coconut Rum Sauce
What a lovely tour in this fabulous factory & store. I already have bought Gf products from them online. They rock! And how cool of Bob by giving his employees ownership! How cool is that?
Lovely & bright colourful pictures, dear Cathy!
Thanks for this lovely post!
Sophie recently posted..Vegan banana & avocado chocolate pudding
LOVE Bob’s. Haven’t been in a while, cause I go crazy when I walk through the door… SO many need flours to try out… Absolutely phenomenal company.
Culinary Alchemist recently posted.."T"ea is for Truffle – Earl Grey Truffles
oh man, what a great place
i luv their products so would luv seeing all this
Stopping by from Stone Gable after seeing your link picture. I enjoyed reading your post about Bob’s Red Mill especially since I too use many of the products they sell. Thanks for sharing your visit there!
Diane recently posted..Patriotic Postcards
For those who lament the small selection in their local grocery stores, I understand Bob also has a mail-order catalog, and they ship pretty much everywhere! I have a friend in Abu Dhabi and her local health food store helps her order products from half-way around the world. 🙂