ALBERTA — Portland has lost its only Black-owned brewery, Assembly Brewing. After six years, George Johnson announced the closure of the original location in May 2025. This month, the other location on NE Alberta Street also shut down. Johnson expressed frustration in a farewell message, stating, “The hits kept coming, and we no longer have a financial cushion to weather the storms ahead.”
BUCKMAN — Hit the Spot, a popular smash burger joint, has closed after a seven-year run, including three years in the former Brunch Box space. Known for its fries and shakes, Jeremy Sivers’s business fell victim to dwindling savings, as reported by the Oregonian.
HOSFORD—ABERNETHY — The beloved cocktail bar Deadshot will close on November 8 after seven years. Owner Adam Robinson cited challenges stemming from “fearless leadership in DC,” which he felt set up the business to fail. He expressed hope of finding a new spot for his pop-up bar, Miracle, in the future.
KERNS — After a decade of serving vegan South American dishes, Epif is closing its doors. The restaurant took to Instagram to thank its loyal diners, while hinting that the final business day could change.
SE HAWTHORNE — Another closure is plant-based eatery Gnarlys, which announced its end on Instagram. Owner Chris Hudson noted that this step is part of a shift toward new ventures in vegan cooking. The restaurant is set to close after September 21.
The wave of closures reflects broader challenges in the restaurant industry. A recent survey from the National Restaurant Association found that nearly 70% of operators reported staffing shortages. Many businesses struggle with rising costs, from ingredients to labor. These closures serve as a stark reminder of the hurdles small businesses face.
As we see these beloved local spots disappear, it’s essential to support the remaining businesses and encourage new ones to emerge. Each closure affects not just owners but also the community, representing lost jobs and a shifting landscape of culinary offerings. For anyone looking to understand current dynamics in the food industry, following reports from trusted outlets like the Oregonian and the National Restaurant Association can provide more context.
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Portland Restaurant Closings
