A recent test pizza, “The best practice pie yet” in September 2025. Photo credit: Edan MacQuaid.
A new pizzeria is in the works for downtown Portland called Edan Pizza. It will be helmed by Edan MacQuaid, a very respected pizzaiolo know for his work in the Washington D.C. area. We first published a little blurb about his pizzeria in a recent Small Bites column. Since then, I’ve spoken with Edan to hear more about his plans—here is what I learned.
The squash pizza special at Saraveza. Photo credit: Saraveza.
Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant has closed. I learned about the closing of this longtime (39 years) Italian restaurant after I published last week’s Small Bites, so I didn’t include it then, so I’m including it now. But yes, this beloved restaurant is now closed.
Last Saturday, someone on Facebook posted this: “Met up with family today at 11am to order a few last Pizza’s. There is NO parking in their huge lot, and there are people parking in the business next door. There’s a line 2hrs deep to place an order. And just heard at 12:35, they are done taking orders for the day.” The end of an era and many will miss it. 17937 SE Stark Street, Portland
A new pizzeria and soft serve ice cream duo called Fast Times is set to open in the original Sizzle Pie location on East Burnside Street. And it is owned by Matt Jacobson, one of the founders of Sizzle Pie. Here is what we know so far.
Cider Bite will close. After a decade in business, Portland’s oldest cider house will close; their final day of service will be Sunday, October 19. Founder Jeff Hanneson posted about the closure on their website:
“The decision to close did not come lightly. Like many small businesses, we have faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years-from COVID restrictions, multiple break-ins, and incidents of vandalism, to dramatically rising operating costs and a significant decline in tourism and downtown foot traffic that has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Our beloved city has struggled to regain its vibrancy and to overcome the barrage of negative national media coverage and public perceptions of safety. With our lease set to expire at the end of October and the landlord requiring higher rent and expenses under a long- term agreement, we were unable to secure an acceptable and sustainable extension that would allow us to continue.”
Prior to the closing they will host some special events and will be selling some of the business’s ephemera. Sorry to see them go. 1230 NW Hoyt Street, Portland
Looking from the inside out at the Upright Beer Station.
The news is out: Upright Brewing is planning to close by the end of the year. Upright is beloved and well respected, makes excellent award-winning beer, and has been a significant part of the Portland craft beer community for over a decade and a half. Their presence will be missed. But what about the Upright Beer Station?