A while back, a reader asked me if I knew what was going in at the old Green Zebra on N Lombard Street. After some research, I’ve come to understand that it looks like it’s going to become a McDonald’s—fast food. Maybe not the most exciting news possible, but it’s satisfying to know the future of that space.
Green Zebra
As indicated in the headline, this location was most recently home to a Green Zebra market. This little chain of “corner store meets grocery store” shops shut down in March 2023. The mini-chain was created by former New Seasons Market chief executive Lisa Sedlar.
They cited the pandemic and inflation of the cost of goods and supplies as their death knell.
The Building
This building has been home to a variety of businesses over the years in its 5,600 square foot space. Sitting on a 18,747 sq ft piece of property, it has been a Safeway (1944 to 1962), a Chico’s Pizza Parlor in the 1960s, a Pietro’s Pizza in the 1980s, as well as a Sliders Bar and Grill, Big Daddy’s BBQ, and North End Pub/Rivergate Brewing. Green Zebra opened there in 2013.
The building has been owned by the same people for quite a while (my sources in the neighborhood says the LLC name has changed over the years, but it’s the same people), and at the writing of this article, the building is currently under the name East Wind LLC, as per Portland Maps.
Permit Details for the New McDonald’s
In late 2024, a permit was filed for a change of occupancy—from M to A-2. That’s a change from mercantile/retail to assembly/restaurant. Apparently this didn’t flag any land use requirements, so nobody in Kenton really knew it was happening until it happened.
No drive-thru was requested in this permit (they are not allowed along this part of Lombard). Here’s the full text:
“PDOX – TI FOR NEW RESTAURANT TENANT, CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY FROM M TO A-2. REMOVE ATTACHED TRASH ENCLOSURE. SITE IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING PARKING LOT STRIPING, LANDSCAPING, AND UTILITIES.”
Note: At the writing of this article, this permit status is Under Review.
Neighbors have remarked that this part of Lombard seems to be challenging for businesses, and that perhaps only chains can make a go of it. YMMV, as they say—I welcome your thoughts in the comments on this POV.
I’ve reached out to McDonald’s for more information, and if they deign to respond to us, I’ll pass on the details.
McDonald’s [opening TBD]
3011 N Lombard Street, Portland
Updated March 24, 2025.
Meg Cotner
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Hi! How exactly did you learn it was a McDonalds going in? Super curious as I live nearby. Thanks !
We already have enough burger options nearby, and there are two McDonald’s within a few miles of this location!
One reason Cyclemaster Coffee moved is the pending Starbucks where Arby’s was.
This could kill Mike’s and make for a more dangerous pedestrian intersection with heightened car traffic.
I’d rather have an empty building than McDonald’s!
Such a small spot for a McDonald’s… And no drive thru? Seems strange. Hopefully you get a response.
Yes, there are some parts of Portland that do not allow for drive-throughs. The Chick-Fil-A on SE Stark/99 (which caught fire in early January 2025) also does not allow for a drive-through. I’m not sure why drive-throughs are not allowed in some places – I should do a little research.