Joe Brown’s Lounge, a Black-owned business that opened on NE MLK Blvd in early 2023, is moving further east. The owner, David Ferguson, will be opening in a space on NE Alberta and 26th Avenue, next door to DB Dessert Company.
The Previous Location of Joe Brown’s Lounge
Brianna Wheeler from the Willamette Week stopped by in summer 2023, and wrote a nice summary into about Joe Brown’s Lounge, so I thought I’d share it here:
“Earlier this year, the small two-storefront building on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near Jessup Street that for 30 years housed Geneva and Paul Knauls Sr.’s iconic business got two new occupants: Joe Brown’s Carmel Corn and Joe Brown’s Lounge. (Yes, we’re talking about the same Joe Brown’s that pioneered “Oregon-Style” popcorn—coated in caramel and yellow cheese—inside a novelty snack shop at Lloyd Center.”
Why They Are Moving
It looks like the reasons are twofold. First, they simply outgrew their space on NE MLK Blvd. And two, there seems to have been some tension between Ferguson and Paul Knauls, the property owner of the building on NE MLK Blvd.
He expresses his thoughts on that last part on his Facebook page. It sounds like he has a plan to handle the situation.
Possibilities at Joe Brown’s Lounge
I’ve reached out to David Ferguson, but have not heard back—-but from what I can tell, things will continue in the same vein as they did over on NE MLK. They will “be serving good food and drinks,” and you can their menu on their website, which includes burgers, a “Jo’Boy” (aka Po’Boy), wings, fries, dirty rice, catfish, hushpuppies, banana pudding, and more Southern/Soul food dishes.
My hope is that they will continue to serve breakfast, though the planned hours start at a more “brunchy” time, so perhaps changes are coming.
They applied for a full on-premises liquor license, so cocktails etc will continue. Interestingly enough, their liquor license indicates the DBA of this business “Sideline Social Lounge,” but it sure seems like they will continue using the Joe Brown’s Lounge brand.
I have not seen any indications on their social media that they are open, so my guess is that they are still working on things; that had hoped to open by February, and it could still happen. I’m guessing for a late Feb/early March opening.
Look for them to be open 7-days a week, 11am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday, and then 11am to midnight on Friday and Saturday. They’ll continue doing karaoke, live music, and have DJs spin on the entertainment side of things.
About the Owner, David L. Ferguson
Ferguson grew up in the Lloyd neighborhood in NE Portland and established a career in commercial real estate. The Skanner reported that in 2019 “he sold the Trillium School property on Interstate to The Ivy School for a reported $5 million, and also sold The Ivy School’s previous building.” He also purchased property a couple of blocks away, with the aim to “build a commercial ground unit with 10 residential units on top, all two-bedroom, two-bath.”
He also runs the Poetic Justice Foundation, a nonprofit that supports Black businesses in the area. In fact, the foundation helped out DB Dessert Company: “We created low-rent space for DB Desserts.” Holy Beanz Coffee was at one point located in what will be the new Joe Brown’s Lounge space.
Joe Brown’s Carmel Corn
Ferguson purchased the almost 65-year-old popcorn company (est. 1932) and the Lloyd Center location about five-and-a-half years ago. He says they’ll “be here until they tear it down [this] year and when they rebuild, we’ll be one of the first ones back.” Fun fact: Joe Brown’s Carmel Corn once had a location near the Hollywood Theatre.
NORF
Over on Facebook Ferguson indicated at the end of December 2024 that hd has secured the lease for the entire south side of the historic Grand Central Market building at 808 SE Morrison Street. He reports that he aims to use this space for the Joe Brown’s Caramel Corn flagship store, as well as a fine dining experience project called NORF BAR.
I think Joe Brown’s Lounge will be a great addition to this section of NE Alberta Street. I’ll pass on any details I learn via email, if they find their way to me. And I look forward to checking it out when they are open!
Joe Brown’s Lounge [opening February/March 2025]
2622 NE Alberta Street, Portland
Joe Brown’s Lounge website | Instagram
Meg Cotner
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Love to see new/existing Black-owned businesses return to the Alberta District which was a historically Black neighborhood in the first place. More of this!
Great article I enjoyed Joe browns lounge and the food is great.
Congratulations and I’m sooo happy to see the continued progress you are making. Not only for yourself but the community. Praying for for continued success
The representation that the owner of Joe Browns lounge for Black Owned Business is a disgrace! Mr. Fergusen should be ashamed of him self. His business etiquette DOES NOT represent ALL legitimate of color business owners! He should be ashamed. I am!
Signed,
Respectfully of color minority female of 3 successful businesses in Portland!
I am very excited for you David. I respect you for all you do in the community and for the community.
I think it’s a pitiful shame that a person with 3 successful businesses like Gina would feel the need or even have the time to make negative comments about another business owner. There’s always a hater in the bunch.
You keep doing you, and let your success speak for itself.
Congratulations!
Extremely proud of the owner. He has shown nothing but growth and development in this city. Feed the masses. Inspired the youth and continued to promote positive change. The food at the location is wonderful. If you have a chance check it out for yourself. I look forward too.