Mandy’s Family Restaurant, Washburne Café to Open Second Locations in Eugene, Springfield

Mandy’s Family Restaurant and Washburne Café are expanding with second locations that will add new dining options to Eugene and Springfield. Mandy’s plans to open on Franklin Avenue in Eugene in spring 2026, while Washburne Café is opening a second Springfield location near Thurston High, bringing more choices to the south Eugene-Springfield corridor.

Mandy’s Family Restaurant’s planned Franklin Avenue location signals a notable investment in Eugene’s commercial strip. An opening in spring 2026 gives the operator time for build-out and staffing, and positions Mandy’s to capture breakfast and lunch traffic along a key east-west route. For neighbors and commuters who use Franklin Avenue, a second Mandy’s could change lunchtime patterns and increase foot traffic to nearby small businesses.

Washburne Café’s new site near Thurston High places a neighborhood café within easy reach of families and students. Proximity to the high school suggests additional daytime demand tied to school schedules, after-school programs, and weekend activity. That dynamic could influence nearby retailers and services that rely on school-related foot traffic.

Both expansions are part of a visible local trend: established eateries that have built customer bases are choosing to scale with second locations rather than opening distant outposts. For local owners, adding a second site typically reflects steady sales at an original location and sufficient cash flow or financing to support construction, equipment, and hiring. For Lane County workers, such openings usually mean new restaurant jobs in front-of-house and back-of-house roles, and added shifts for local suppliers and service contractors.

Neighborhood impacts will vary. Franklin Avenue residents may see increased curb demand for parking and higher pedestrian counts during peak meal hours. The Thurston area near Washburne’s new location should expect more student foot traffic and family visits, which can benefit nearby convenience and retail businesses.

City officials and local planners will be watching permits and build-out timelines as both projects move forward. For residents, the practical takeaway is simple: more locally owned dining choices are coming to familiar corridors, and those choices are likely to affect daily routines, neighborhood activity, and job opportunities.

What comes next is the roll-out of construction and staffing plans ahead of openings; readers can look for final opening announcements as Mandel’s prepares for spring 2026 and as Washburne Café completes its new Springfield location.