EXCITING UPDATE!
We want to start off by saying that your love and support since we announced our closure has been wonderful and overwhelming. We feel your love and love you right back! When we announced our closure in September, we were unsure of how long we would be able to stay open.
JaCiva’s is still in the process of closing, but our goal is now to stay open for as long as possible, which will be until our buildings sell. We want to be as transparent as possible with you all and tell you why staying open for as long as possible is important to us. It comes down to two reasons:
The JaCiva’s buildings are currently listed for sale. We have been business residents of Hawthorne since 1986 and we love our community more than anything. In more recent years we have seen businesses close their doors and empty buildings sit as they are vandalized, broken into, and (unfortunately) destroyed. We care too much about Hawthorne and Portland in general to let that happen. We want to remain in business to keep this building alive, not only for the integrity of the JaCiva’s legacy but for the well-being of our neighboring businesses, who we love very much.
The second reason is YOU. We aren’t ready to say goodbye, and the past two months have shown us that you aren’t ready either. We want one last holiday season with you all. We want to give you the slowest goodbye possible and give you the treats you love until we no longer have a kitchen to bake them in.
This decision is only made possible through your support thus far, and your continued support moving forward is both needed and so greatly appreciated.
We love you!
A part of the community since 1986
Our Mission
JaCiva’s Bakery and Chocolatier has been providing Portland, Oregon with the finest cakes, European chocolates, Swiss pastries, and baked goods since first opening their doors in 1986. For generations, JaCiva’s has been regarded as one of the most established and distinguished Portland bakeries.
At JaCiva’s we aim to maintain family values and a small business atmosphere by using high quality ingredients and traditional methods. We put joy and love into every product we make. Our quality pastries, cookies, chocolates, and cakes have remained so fantastic for 35 years because we place a high value on every employee being passionate for the art of dessert making.
Portland Tradition
JaCiva’s Bakery was founded by husband-and-wife duo Jack and Iva Elmer on December 6th, 1986, who cleverly named their bakery by combining their names. Jack and Iva perfected their chocolates and desserts by unifying their individual skills and talents. Chef Jack, with his formal Swiss pastry education and passion for baking, created each recipe with love and care. Iva, with her innovative creativity and love for her community, helped to shape JaCiva’s Bakery into a unique part of Portland’s history where every customer feels at home.
For years, Jack and Iva worked at perfecting their product and their business. They have received over 50 awards and a multitude of acknowledgements for their achievements in baking and chocolate making, including the Achievement of Excellence Award from the American Culinary Foundation, the Autsin Family Business Award, the Master Chocolatier Award, and a gold medal from the U.S. Pastry Alliance, to name a few.
Celebrating over 35 years in Portland
Customers have been coming to JaCiva’s for 35 years not only for the sweet treats, but for the friendship, love, and community that Jack and Iva created within the walls of their bakery and beyond. Today, JaCiva’s continues to embody the foundation of a deep sense of community and love that was established by Jack and Iva Elmer.
“We aren’t talking dollars and cents here, we are talking family”
- Jack Elmer, Founder