Small Bites: Greg Higgins Will Retire, the Elk, Forbidden Fruit, and More

Greg Higgins will retire. He sent an email out with the announcement: “So, it is with a full and grateful heart that I share my own important milestone with you: I’m planning to retire.” He is looking to sell the restaurant, for “the right steward for Higgins, someone who understands what this place means to our guests and employees, and will carry it forward into its next chapter here in Portland.” He wants the restaurant to continue to thrive.

He recognized that many things have changed since the COVID pandemic—downtown Portland itself, as well as the cost of doing business, including wages and sourcing. He is open to a restaurant group, restauranteur and “chef with a dream” who shares their values to acquire Higgins. If you know of someone, reach out to Chris Garratt, the President and CEO of Birch Creek Advisors at chris@birchcreekadvisors.com.

You can read more here. 1239 SW Broadway, Portland

And the Thompson Elk Fountain returns to downtown on April 12. And among the festivities celebrating the return of the Elk, there will be some food trucks on-site: Montage, Fire Lily Coffee, Bobablastic, and KOi Fusion.

The event starts Sunday at 1pm with a DJ; speakers and programming at 1:30pm; a ribbon cutting at 2:15pm; a performance by IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild™ at 2:30pm, as well as community booths and free activities. The event is over at 4pm. SW Main Street at Chapman and Lownsdale Squares, Portland

Portland Juice Company is closing. Owner & CEO Luka de Moses announced on social media and the website, “Thank You & Goodbye.” After 14 years in business they will stop operations and close their doors. Their final day is Sunday, April 19.

They encourage you to stop by or order online to use your coupons, rewards, and gift cards before they close; they will do their best to stay fully stocked. Luka wrote “On to the next chapter,” so perhaps something else is in the works. Only time will tell. 1212 SE Powell Blvd, Suite B, Portland

All night Happy Hour at Brix Tavern (Pearl District) on Tax Day. That’s right, their Happy Hour menu will be in play all evening. “Whether you’re toasting to a big refund or just need a break after filing, we’ve got you covered!” Pricing examples: Brix Caesar Salad for $7.50, Brix Cheeseburger for $9.50, Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna for $12.50, and more. 1338 NW Hoyt Street, Portland

ICYMI: There’s a new speakeasy in The Benson Hotel. And it’s an extension of Honorable Mention, the sports bar that recently opened below The Benson. It’s called “Unlisted,” and offers “a refined, late-night atmosphere that blends elevated cocktails, curated music, and a deep appreciation for the pioneers of sport past and present.” They have designed the space to serve as a “moody, minimalist setting that contrasts the vibrant energy of the main bar, creating a layered nightlife experience under one roof.” You can read more in this press release. 309 SW Broadway, Portland

Kitchen Table Magazine issue launch party is coming up. Last week we told you that a new issue of Kitchen Table Magazine is coming soon, and since then I’ve learned they are holding a launch party for it! It’s Wednesday, April 29 from 5pm to 8pm at Pizza Thief. 2610 NW Vaughn Street, Portland

Kann is one of the top 10 restaurant in the U.S. According to Food & Wine magazine, and it ranks as number 9 out of the 10. They write, “Portland’s hottest table is also one of its most personal. At Kann, three-time James Beard Award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet cooks a live-fire love letter to Haiti, weaving Scotch bonnet heat, epis aromatics, and abundant spice into the Pacific Northwest’s seasonal bounty.” Read more here. 548 SE Ash Street, Portland

More on the Franz Bakery block party. We also mentioned this event recently, and have new information. On Tuesday, April 14 from 9am to 3pm, you are welcome to stop by for donuts and coffee in the morning and grilled cheese + hot dogs through the afternoon. Help them celebrate 120 years in the biz! 340 NE 11th Avenue, Portland

The Dimo’s Neapolitan is the new chef sundae at Sugarpine Drive-In. This dessert is in collaboration with Chef Doug Miriello of Dimo’s Apizza and Dimo’s Italian Specialties. It’s chocolate and vanilla swirl soft serve with crunchy almond-lemon pizzelle (pressed in their waffle cone irons), chocolate magic shell, rich pistachio butter, and cannoli cream layered with amarena cherry.

It is available now and for the next two and a half weeks or so. A portion of proceeds from this sundae will benefit the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, “a local organization supporting immigrant communities through advocacy, education, and mutual aid.” 1208 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale

Great American Video & Espresso is open. But they are finding that the construction on King Road is disrupting things enough that business is down. Stop in if you can for a coffee, ice cream, or a DVD rental. They’ve been part of the Milwaukie community for over 40 years. 6130 SE King Road, Milwaukie

The old Taco Pedaler space has a new tenant. And it is Poblano Pepper, which means this space will remain a Mexican restaurant. While they have one brick and mortar space by PSU, I’ve mostly interacted with them in their food trucks. They’ve had a presence at the Barley Pod and Bite on Belmont pods; they will also have a presence at the soon-to-open Hollywood Q. Look for then to be open on NE Broadway from 9am to 9pm daily when they open, which should be soon in this advertised turnkey space. 2225 NE Broadway, Portland

HarBQ turns one. They are throwing a party on Saturday, April 18 starting at noon, “till the wheels fall off.” There will be lots of barbecue, of course, beer specials, live music, and games. Ben of Lil’ Barbecue, who spoke well of HarBQ when I interviewed him last year, will be cooking with them that day. 825 N Cook Street, Portland

Alphabet Burger turned one. We reported on them last year, and it’s hard to believe it’s already been a year. Big congrats to Vincent Picone and Joel Carter Jackson on their success with the burger truck. Joel also mentioned that he and his friend Caleb have been building the food program at 45th Parallel Wines, The charcuterie program is in place and they recommend heading there for your cured meat and wine meal needs. 5215 N Lombard Street, Portland

And Champagne Poetry turned four. In owner Dan Bian’s words, “I’m beyond grateful for everyone who stood by Champagne Poetry, believed in us, and helped us grow. Cheers to 4 years of beauty, resilience, and hard work. And this is only the beginning.” Congratulations! 3343 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland

pspspspsps. I can’t deny that I like this Pink Cat Tumbler from Stumptown Coffee. Apparently, it’s, “a very limited special release inspired by your love for our paper kitty to-go cups.” It’s 40 bucks and you can get one at any Stumptown cafe or online. Multiple locations

Phin Caphe brings back two spring drinks. These are two of their most popular drinks from last year and they sound excellent. First, there’s the Mango Sticky Rice Matcha: ceremonial matcha latte with housemade mango purée and coconut sticky rice foam. Next, there’s the Pandan Matcha: ceremonial matcha with pandan syrup with the option of adding coconut or cheese foams. 11906 SE Division Street, Portland and 3905 SW 117th Avenue Suite G, Beaverton

Phin Caphe will open a location in Happy Valley, too. This will be their third store, after Portland and Beaverton. They posted a video of the space this past week; they look to open this year. Address unknown

The Portland Mercado is getting closer to opening. Over on the Hacienda website there’s a Food Truck Vendor Application for six slots at the Mercado, which sounds like it will open this summer.

“We are looking for unique, delicious food concepts and businesses that proudly celebrate Latino culture and flavors. If you’re passionate about sharing your cuisine with the community, we encourage you to apply.”

En Español: “Buscamos conceptos gastronómicos, negocios únicos, y comida deliciosa que celebren con orgullo la cultura y los sabores latinos. Si te apasiona compartir tu arte culinario con la comunidad, te animamos a que envíes tu solicitud.” 7238 SE Foster Road, Portland

Oregon Beer Awards winners announced. You can go to the Oregon Beer Awards 2026 Medalists page, or head to Willamette Week for less clicking. TIL: “Founded in 2015 as a collaboration between Willamette Week and industry experts.” Congrats to all the winners; it’s no surprise that Portland did well. Multiple locations

Lunch comes to Moon Pocha, plus a patio. They’ll be offering lunch every weekend (Saturday and Sunday), serving a streamlined menu, which will feature their brand-new rice bowls. They also have a noodle menu and are developing some ramen dishes. And they have a new patio. Lots of reasons to come on down, as Bob Barker used to say. 28 NE 28th Avenue, Portland

The Drunken Crow 2 will open in Hazel Dell. This is the former home to Top Bop, a fast-casual Asian fusion restaurant that specializes in rice bowls. The original Drunken Crow Pub is a “bougie dive bar.” Opening date to come. 8605 NE Hwy 99, Suite 100, Vancouver

Oregon City Market craft beverage tastings on Fridays. They’ve got a great lineup of craft beverage brewers this month. April 10 is Stormbreaker Brewing; April 17 is Threshold Beer; April 24 are Stray Cider and Bauman’s Cider. Tastings take place from 4:30pm to 6:30pm and you can take 10% off featured items during the tasting.

You’ll also find flowers from Forever Flora, sourdough bread and cookies from Romo’s Sourdough and this great local market in Oregon City. 610 Main Street, Suite A, Oregon City

Hana Japanese Bistro is closing. They have been open for five years, but have decided to close. Their last day of service will be Saturday, May 30. 2236 NE Alberta Street, Portland

Los Bros Taco Shop opens today. And it’s their grand opening! Stop by for 20% off your check, all day long (you can view their menu, here). They’ll be open 10am to 11pm. 17 NW 23rd PIace, Portland 

Happy Hour for cookie lovers at Nostrana. On Tuesday, April 28 fro 5pm to 8pm, Nostrana is hosting a “hands-on, wine-in-hand workshop celebrating the beauty (and joy) of Italian cookies.” It will be hosted by cookbook author Domenica Marchetti in conjunction with her new book release, “Italian Cookies.”

You’ll get four pre-made doughs from traditions in the Italian North, Central, South, and Islands prepared by Nostrana’s pastry chef, Cassie Rousseau. Instruction on how to hand-shape a variety of Classic Italian cookies will be provided, and you’ll get to bake them, too. There will be savory snacks and things to drink. It’s $72 per person and you can buy your tickets on the Nostrana Tock page. 1401 SE Morrison Street, Suite 101, Portland

Sharetea Burnside is now TOZY Café • Boba. They’ve changed their name and are in soft opening mode with the new moniker. And they are collaborating with Nana’s Exquisite Confections! She makes a lot of things at her bakery, but at TOZY you’ll find pound cake, lemon pie, pecan pie, cookies and quickbreads. 1260 E Burnside Street, Portland

Gracie’s Apizza will close. Josephine LaCosta, who has been managing Gracie’s Apizza for the past couple of months, announced the news of the closure. Looks like the business has sold and the news was an “unwelcome surprise” to Josephine. This job and this pizzeria has meant a lot to her and she’s heartbroken to miss working with the Gracie’s team. Sounds like you have this month to enjoy the pizza there.

Her Instagram post about this has many feels and it’s best you read it straight from the author. 7304 N Leavitt Avenue, Portland

Gnome & Faerie opened yesterday. This is a restaurant from the Brewed By Gnomes folks, “a rustic gathering place where botanical drinks, seasonal food, and warm hospitality meet.” Along with the kombuchas, ales, etc from Brewed By Gnomes, Hiori will be joining them in the kitchen—most recently they were at Malpractice. They’ve created some Japanese-inspired small plates to accompany the beverages. 3257 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland

Verdure comes to Malpractice. As I mentioned above, Hiori was most recently at Malpractice. And now the kitchen hosts Verdure in residency, offering food based in seasonality, and “rooted in Nicaraguan cuisine.” The dishes look gorgeous. They’ll start things up on Wednesday, April 15. 77 SE Yamhill Street, Portland

The inaugural St. Johns Dining Month is now. A handful of St. Johns restaurants and bar are participating: Havalina, Villain Crepes, Naan n Curry, Sticky Wicket, and 45th Parallel Wines. You can see the details of what they are offering, here. Multiple locations

Chinese Cowboy will close. Their final day of service is Saturday, April 11. They cite econoic challenges as the reason for closing. Chinese Cowboy has combined American barbecue and Chinese Classics. 727 SE Washington Street, Portland

Chin Cha will open in the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood. A Bridgetown Bites tipster said that they saw a sign for a new bubble tea spot in that little shopping center anchored by Foot Traffic on NE Fremont and 41st Avenue. A little research indicates they registered the business with the state in May 2025 in the space that was Frazier Health Management (Suite B).

Chin Cha has locations in Lake Oswego and Cypress, Texas. They offer tea lattes, boba, fruit teas, noodle dishes, a variety of appetizers like spring rolls and smashed cucumber salad, and rice bowls. 4010 NE Fremont Street, Suite B, Portland

Forbidden Fruit opens in Cascada. Their soft opening is slated for Friday, April 17. This is a new daytime cafe offering smoothies and a variety of dishes, “each named for the magical tales we grew up loving, inviting you to taste the wonder of storytelling in every bite.” Examples of some of the food they are serving are avocado toast, Turkish eggs, grass-fed beef grain bowls with Japanese sweet potatoes, as well as sandwiches and salads. There will be vegetarian and vegan options. All of the food is focused in sustainability and to be nourishing on multiple levels.

They’ll start by being open three to four days a week with the goal of full operation by end of May. Executive Chef Megan Sky, of the celebrated restaurant Terra Mae, is also behind Forbidden Fruit. They aim for an atmospheric, take-a-break-from-the-world, whimsical vibe.

They write, “Each visit at Forbidden Fruit is a reminder that being alive is the true magic.” 1150 NE Alberta Street, Portland

Meg and Bridgetown Bites on Right at the Fork. I sat down with Chris Angelus to talk about restaurants in the Portland area recently, and we also ended up chatting about some of the business side of Bridgetown Bites. You may also be curious to hear what I sound like, too (ngl, it is hard for me to hear my own voice outside of my own head). Here’s the podcast episode link. Many thanks to Chris for having me on.

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