Bend, Oregon – Bar Rio, a fixture in downtown Bend’s culinary scene, is set to undergo a significant transformation, rebranding as The Rio Room Bend to operate exclusively as a private event space. The last day for the public to enjoy Bar Rio’s unique offerings is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, marking a strategic shift for the establishment and its owners at The Rio Room venue.
A New Vision for Downtown Events at The Rio Room Bend
The transition to The Rio Room Bend signals a deliberate move by owners Steven and Amy Draheim, who also helm the Barrio Restaurant Group, to cater to the growing demand for dedicated private event venues in the heart of Bend. The rebranded space will focus on hosting a variety of Bend private events, including rehearsal dinners, business luncheons, milestone birthday celebrations, and holiday parties. With a capacity to comfortably accommodate up to 60 guests, The Rio Room Bend aims to provide an intimate yet sophisticated setting for special occasions.
General Manager Randy Fitch explained that the idea for this pivot emerged from the significant success the group has experienced with its catering services. “This type of space doesn’t exist downtown,” Fitch told The Source Weekly, highlighting a perceived gap in the local market. The venue, now known as The Rio Room Bend, will be available for private rental, with pricing set at $750 for weekdays and $1,000 for weekends.
While the primary focus shifts to private bookings, The Rio Room Bend also plans to host select public events. These are expected to include popular offerings like paella nights and holiday brunches, and potentially serve as a venue for live music or major sporting event viewings, offering patrons curated experiences beyond private bookings.
Strategic Evolution from Bar Rio: Introducing The Rio Room Bend
The rebranding of Bar Rio into The Rio Room Bend is the latest chapter in the evolving story of its ownership group. The Bar Rio rebranding marks a significant change. Bar Rio itself was an earlier iteration, having transformed from Barrio, a beloved establishment that started as food carts before moving into a brick-and-mortar location. This latest evolution reflects a commitment to adaptability in a dynamic marketplace.
The culinary identity established by Bar Rio, featuring Latin and Mediterranean-inspired menus, will continue to be a cornerstone of The Rio Room Bend‘s offerings. Clients can choose from a range of curated catering menus, including flavors similar to the Barrio food truck and Shimshon, or opt for Spanish paella with Mediterranean tapas. For those with specific needs, The Rio Room Bend also permits clients to bring in outside licensed caterers for their Bend private events.
Furthermore, The Rio Room Bend will continue to provide essential support for other ventures under the Barrio Restaurant Group umbrella, including Barrio, Shimshon, and Bodega, a downtown grab-and-go market. The group’s commissary kitchen in downtown Bend will continue to prepare food for all these outlets, with catering services available for pick-up, delivery, and off-site events.
Adapting to Bend’s Evolving Hospitality Landscape at The Rio Room Bend
This strategic shift by Bar Rio aligns with a broader trend trending within Bend’s vibrant hospitality sector, particularly for downtown Bend events. In Oregon’s popular tourist and resident destination, many bars and restaurants are increasingly looking to diversify their revenue streams beyond traditional dine-in service. The embrace of private event spaces and robust catering operations has become a common strategy as businesses navigate an ever-changing economic climate and evolving consumer preferences, making The Rio Room Bend a welcome addition.
Other establishments in Bend have also adapted by offering their spaces for private functions or focusing on catering. This approach allows businesses to leverage their existing infrastructure and culinary expertise in new ways, ensuring continued relevance and profitability. The move signifies a thoughtful response to market demands, aiming to maximize the utility of their prime downtown location for private party space needs.
A New Hub for Celebrations: The Rio Room Bend
The closure of Bar Rio to the public marks the end of an era for those who enjoyed its specific ambiance and offerings. However, the emergence of The Rio Room Bend promises to fill a distinct niche in Bend’s event planning landscape, providing a dedicated and versatile space for private gatherings and downtown Bend events. As Bend continues to grow and evolve, The Rio Room Bend is positioned to become a go-to destination for celebrations, business functions, and memorable events in the heart of the city, solidifying its role as The Rio Room venue.
