New Pendleton Restaurant Project Innerbloom Thriving in First Month

Health food restaurant plans to add breakfast, kids menu options soon

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Project Innerbloom, a new health food restaurant in downtown Pendleton, Oregon, has seen an "intense and beloved community response" since opening in late January. Owner Brandon Krenzler, who is also an original founder of the local cannabis business Kind Leaf, started the restaurant to fill a need he saw in the area for healthy, nutritious food options. The restaurant features a menu of salads, grain bowls, smoothies and other health-conscious items, with plans to soon add breakfast items like acai bowls and expand to seven-day-a-week operations during the summer.

Why it matters

Project Innerbloom represents a growing trend of health-focused restaurants catering to consumer demand for more nutritious and sustainable food options, especially in smaller communities. The restaurant's success also highlights the potential for mission-driven businesses to thrive by tapping into local needs and values.

The details

Project Innerbloom opened in late January at 39 SW Dorion Ave. in downtown Pendleton. The restaurant features a menu of salads, grain bowls, smoothies and other health-conscious items, all made with organic fruits and vegetables and low or no seed oils. The restaurant is also entirely gluten-free, and offers a variety of vegan and meat-based options. Owner Brandon Krenzler, who is also an original founder of the local cannabis business Kind Leaf, spent nearly two and a half years developing the restaurant's warm, welcoming aesthetic, which features dark blue walls, wooden tables and stools, and an abundance of plants.

  • Project Innerbloom opened in late January 2026.
  • The restaurant is currently open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but Krenzler plans to shift the hours earlier to capture more of the breakfast and lunch crowd.
  • Krenzler hopes to have the restaurant open seven days a week during the summer, with a walk-up window and outdoor seating.

The players

Brandon Krenzler

The owner of Project Innerbloom and an original founder of the local cannabis business Kind Leaf.

Ocean Solomon

Krenzler's partner, who helps with food preparation, taking orders and keeping the restaurant running.

Amber Henderson and Autumn Parker

Twin sisters who have become regular customers at Project Innerbloom.

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What they’re saying

“This is how I eat and how I live. I feel like this area totally has been missing this type of ethos and culture and this type of nutrition.”

— Brandon Krenzler, Owner (East Oregonian)

“We really like that it's fresh and healthy, and so after eating it, we still feel really good.”

— Autumn Parker (East Oregonian)

“It's a nice option to have where you can feel good about what you ate.”

— Amber Henderson (East Oregonian)

What’s next

Krenzler plans to expand Project Innerbloom's menu to include breakfast items like acai bowls, overnight oats and chia pudding, as well as a kids' menu. He also hopes to transition the restaurant to more of a daytime operation with earlier hours to capture more of the breakfast and lunch crowd.

The takeaway

Project Innerbloom's success in its first month of operation highlights the growing demand for healthy, sustainable food options, even in smaller communities. The restaurant's focus on organic, nutritious ingredients and welcoming atmosphere has resonated with Pendleton residents, demonstrating the potential for mission-driven businesses to thrive by meeting local needs.