The Roxy Is Closing - Bridgetown Bites

Photo credit: The Roxy

I heard about this yesterday in a private conversation and this morning it was confirmed by The Roxy owner herself. The Roxy, a longtime, previously 24-hours-a-day diner in downtown Portland, is closing Sunday, March 20. Along with the pandemic and staffing issues, an eviction by the City of Portland was cited as the reasons for the closing.

Suzanne Hale, The Roxy’s owner, posted the following on Facebook:

“It’s been quite a journey over the past 27 years, and I couldn’t have gotten through it without you. We’ve just been losing money since the pandemic, and the eviction by the City of Portland didn’t help. Staffing is hard enough these days, (for everyone) but with the building rehab looming, it’s nearly impossible. I’m grateful for the years we had, and I love those who are working to the bitter end. Hope I get a chance to see you between now and Sunday to say goodbye. I’ll miss you. I’m so very sorry.”

The restaurant has had strong connections to Portland’s queer community, as well as night workers and night owls. Judging from the long comment thread online, Portlanders are heartbroken from the news of The Roxy’s closing. It will be a big loss for Portland, and I’m sorry to see it go.

If you want to support The Roxy for the next few days, Hale says, “just come in and overtip my staff, they are the ones I care about now.” They also have merch. Note that they will have limited hours, “until about 5pm, possibly later if we are still busy.”

“Honestly, I’m overwhelmed by the beauty and kindness of your souls,” she commented. “While I can’t help feeling like I’m letting everyone down, I’m also proud of our 27 years, and all the customers, friends and current and past staff who made us what we are. This has been inevitable for a while, and I tried as long as I could. Thank you everyone, from the bottom of my heart.”

I wish Suzanne and her staff all the best as they move on to the next phase of their lives. And to the City of Portland: you need to do more to support and help keep our city’s restaurants in business.

The Roxy (closing March 2022)
1121 SW Harvey Milk Street, Portland
theroxydiner.com | Facebook