WEST SIDE SLICE It's a refreshing sight to see a full-service restaurant amidst gas stations, supermarkets and laundromats. In November, Bene Food and Friends moved their artisan pizza into the West Eugene neighborhood. When the Oregon Community Credit Union (formerly U-Lane-O) closed its branch on 18th and Chambers, Bene founders Kevin and Erika Cohen jumped on the opportunity to create a restaurant and bar in the vacant space. "Converting a bank into a restaurant is definitely a challenge," say Kevin. The Cohens redesigned the entire space themselves and successfully utilized the large windows and high ceilings to make a spacious, inviting place for a variety of customers. Warm yellow and brick red walls surround the tables, and vintage 1920s posters complete the art deco theme. However, there is a slight architectural problem: the old vault. "We haven't quite figured out what to do with that just yet," Kevin says with a laugh. By spring, he hopes to have a deck ready for people to sit outside and enjoy the sun. "It's been really positive," says Kevin. "The neighborhood families are really excited that they have a place to hang out." Bene, which originally opened on Broadway and Charnelton in 2000, knows what Eugeneans crave in terms of cuisine: quality. "This community enjoys and appreciates quality. We recognize that we have access to good local products," Kevin says. The fresh, mostly organic ingredients found in the pizza, calzones and paninis, as well as the bar equipped with local beers like Ninkasi IPA and Willamette Amber, demonstrate Bene's pledge to stay loyal to the locals. A Portland native and UO graduate, Kevin discovered a niche for gourmet pizza while on business in Eugene. After spending a few years in the accounting world, he left Portland to embark on a more "fun" career in Eugene. Eight years later, Bene can be found at three locations in Eugene. Don't expect any expansions outside Lane County just yet; Cohen hired 40 new employees for the new location. "Our focus is on the community," he says. Bene also works with local charities and organizations. On the opening day of the new space, Bene contributed 100 percent of all sales to the Relief Nursery of Eugene. (1665 W. 18th Ave.; 384-2700) — Katie Cornell   Oui! C'est Biologique! | An Inconvenient Fruit | Rockin' Hot Food | Holy Cow-Tastrophe! | Break Out of the Same Old, Same Old | Ukrainian Rhapsody | Welcome to Whiteaker | West Side Slice | Go Ga Ga Over Ga Ya | La Vida Local |Food, Not Fads |