Bend, Ore. – Two longtime board‑sport enthusiasts are bringing a new retail hub to the city after the recent closure of Tactics. Obsidian Boardshop, owned by Bend residents Marcel Dolak and Andrew Kimmell, will hold its soft opening on Saturday, November 14, at noon.
Local roots, community focus
Dolak and Kimmell, both neighbors and veteran snowboarders, said the idea for the shop emerged when they learned that Tactics was shutting its doors. “We just couldn’t imagine our community not having a combined snowboard, skate, and surf shop,” Dolak explained. “It’s a way of life here, and our community needs it.” Their combined experience exceeds 30 years in snowboarding, and they intend the store to serve both locals and visitors throughout the year.
Location and amenities
Obsidian Boardshop occupies the former Skjersaas building at 345 SW Century Drive, Suite 100. The site was chosen for its history as a winter‑sports retailer and its position along Century Drive, a popular corridor for travelers heading to Mt. Bachelor. “We’re honored to be in the old Skjersaas location and to give Bend the shred hub it deserves,” Kimmell said.
During the winter months, the shop will feature snowboard sales, outerwear, premium snowboard rentals, powder‑board demos and full‑tune services. In the summer, the focus will shift to surfing, skateboarding, clothing and shoes. The owners also plan to showcase products from major board‑sport brands alongside equipment from local board builders.
Coffee bar and community gathering space
Obsidian will host Thump Coffee at an in‑store coffee bar and café, with the possibility of adding beer and wine later. The shop includes 15 dedicated parking spaces for customers and has been painted black to echo the volcanic obsidian rock that inspired its name.
Owners’ backgrounds
Dolak grew up in Washington, competed professionally in the Pacific Northwest, and frequently visited Mt. Bachelor before moving his family to Bend. He is also a co‑owner of Engel & Völkers Real Estate in Bend. Kimmell, a Colorado native, has worked as a snowboard designer, shop employee and coach. He and his family relocated to Bend five years ago and he estimates he spends about 150 days snowboarding each year.
Community response
The duo says they have been encouraged by the outpouring of support from Bend residents as they prepared the shop for opening. “Our community rallied behind us, and that gives us confidence we’re meeting a real need,” Dolak added.
For more information, visit obsidianboardshop.com.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.