As we reported in June, Argay favorite the Wooden Chicken Pub closed after over 40 years in business. But recent paperwork filed with the City of Portland gives indication that this popular watering hole could come back from the dead. In answer to that speculation, I heard confirmation on August 1 that this is indeed true—The Wooden Chicken is returning! Note: This article has major updates.
Independent Restaurant Concepts Acquisition
Josh Johnson of the Independent Restaurant Concepts group responded to my original email query about a possible Wooden Chicken Pub resurrection. He is the contact on the filed liquor license application—and he confirmed that IRC is acquiring it.
The IRC is “an owner-operated hospitality consultancy that contracts with, and manages a collective of Portland area restaurants.” Restaurants include North 45, Produce Row Cafe, Cadillac Cafe, and others. You can see the full roster on their website.
Josh tells me, “The owner, Dave Alderton, is a buddy of ours. I met him about 20 years ago when we opened our first bar, North 45. He’s one of the funnest and nicest guys in the industry. We’re super excited for the opportunity to steward the Wooden Chicken in the years to come. It’s definitely a part of the community fabric in NE Portland.”
I can see the Wooden Chicken Pub being a good fit with IRC, as it has quite a loyal fan/customer base, with super name recognition. The location will remain the same. And there’s good news for SF 49ers fans from Josh: “Selfishly, I’m a huge 49er fan, so I’m thrilled to keep the Chicken as the home base for the 49er Faithful.”
What’s Next, Plus Name Origins
Originally I said I’d be curious if they would revamp anything. What you should know is that they are not messing with the Fish & Chips at all. “Dave has already shared the coveted recipe and taught us his technique,” explained Josh. And, he says, “We’re not changing anything. The Wooden Chicken has been a successful business for over 40 years. Why would we mess with that? The one thing we’re doing is bringing back the video lottery as there has been a big demand for that.”
One of the most illuminating details shared by Josh is about the origins of the name of Wooden Chicken Pub: “The story I’ve been told, is that the land was originally farmland, and when the excavation began on the development, they unearthed a bunch of petrified chickens, hence the name!” (Check out the comments below to read an alternate origin story.)
I have confirmation from Josh that they will have their soft opening on Thursday, August 29. They are planning their first big bash on Monday, September 9, for Monday Night Football featuring the SF 49ers vs. NY Jets. With this in mind, I expect quite a bit of jubilant celebration from fans of the Wooden Chicken Pub.
Bonus: Thanks to Bridgetown Bites reader D.O. for this clip indicating the Wooden Chicken Pub was operating earlier than 1981. Looks like they were in business as far back as 1978.
Wooden Chicken Pub [reopening August 29, 2024]
12500 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
woodenchickenpub.com | Facebook | Instagram
Updated August 21, 2024.
Meg Cotner
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Yes indeed re: possible reopening of “The Chicken.” It is a landmark of NE Portland. Friends of Dave and Darin as well as former owner Mike Penner. We -the royal we, too many people to mention, have called it a haven since its’ inception. From car washes to softball teams to simply get togethers after a round of golf. And yes, a chance to talk about friends who have passed on. It is a safe and friendly place for these reasons and many others. I speak for a legion of people who hope: The Chicken” reopens!
Correction: My husband has been a patron of the Wooden Chicken since 1979 and knew the original owner- Craig Stegmon. The business had been purchased as a Gaffers establishment (another was on Belmont- which the new owners took over for awhile and then sold it) Craig told my husband they had all been standing around trying to rename the place as they were remodeling it. Looking around all they could see were buckets of KFC and construction materials and the comment was “I don’t know. All we have around here is wood and chicken”. Nothing petrified, sorry. SO happy to keep the place out there, way too many great memories.
That is great news. Although we went there for the last hurrah, excited to be back for the reopening. Hopefully everything will stay the same. Great people, great food & happy hour prices!! Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke!! 😁