Category Archives: Local Businesses

By Joshua Lickteig | Contributing Writer

On a snug Sunday afternoon amidst the circular whir of an old record being spin-washed in the back office, I watch as record store Music History’s owner Geoff Zagarola welcomes a regular, a collector of rare soul and jazz. The two immediately begin catching up over concerts, upcoming DJ sets around town, and the buzz on recent shows in Pendleton, Grant’s Pass, and Beaverton. Just having returned from a trip to New York, where he once lived, Zagarola’s day has been a mix of commitments, from curating stock to arranging his five employees’ schedules and advising on special projects.

Each engagement is a cheerful one as new and familiar visitors serious about high-fidelity sound enter Music History (5400 NE 30th Ave., Suite 106) which is just south of Killingsworth Street up NE 30th Avenue in a mixed-use three-story building. The store’s suite was formerly occupied by a legal office, a used leather goods business, and a residence.

Music History sells used records, cassettes, and vintage clothing; on occasion they carry new releases from local labels like Mississippi Records. The store’s wooden multi-tier shelving, which Zagarola designed, hosts international and specialty sections: Afro-Latin, Blues, Country, Disco-Boogie, Electronic, Native American, Reggae, Rock \ Pop, Soul, and music from the Caribbean, China, Japan, India, the Middle East, and North and South Africa. This visit, I find the Gamelan orchestral LP, Dancers of Bali’, reissued in the 1960’s.

Music History has quickly drawn a following in the city amongst recordheads and vinyl lovers and in June, it celebrated its first anniversary with a barbecue outside and tunes in the amenity space. In October, André 3000 stopped by for gospel while in town for a performance at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

We discuss how the record as art and personal object tells a story over time, also, how a mere collection of things can lose its purpose. He says personally he may have about a thousand discs, then jests about a fellow enthusiast with upwards of thirty times that.

“I got into records in elementary school. My dad was kind of an audiophile,” Zagarola, who is in his early thirties, recalls. His first sale, a soughtafter original Latin pop album by singer Raphael, given to him by his mother, who is from Puerto Rico, jumpstarted several years of vending vinyl on Ebay and Discogs. In highschool, he learned the art of sampling and gained equipment knowledge through playing his friend’s turntables. He also learned to unearth gems in the 50¢ bins at Everyday Music and attended flea markets and conventions to find records. Prior to June of 2023, he ran a popular booth at Crossroads Music as Vendor “404”.

Moments later a group of young travelers from Paris stops in, then an avid collector who makes special trips from Seattle comes by. All take note of the staff picks bin in the northside window by the entrance. “We’re in a real resurgence, but it will never be what it was pre-Napster,” Zagarola says, referring to the convenience of finding music on the internet via streaming services. “I’ve built my niche to the collector.”

Whether you’re a collector, you want to learn more about music, or you want to support local businesses, drop by Portland’s newest old record store, right here in Concordia. Check them out on Wednesdays through Sundays from 1-8 pm or visit their website, music-history. org, to learn more.

Joshua Lickteig is an artist and engineer. He was born near the other Milwaukee and has been in Portland for six years. His latest book of poems is called Half Moon Day Sun.

By Esther Lerman Freeman | Contributing Writer

As we give thanks for our many blessings over this holiday season, I can think of no better way to honor those we love than being kind to the earth and all its inhabitants. Here are a few gift ideas that help keep our celebrations environmentally conscious:

White Elephant Gift Exchange

Each person is invited to bring something of theirs that they really like but no longer use or need, or are just ready to share. Sometimes it’s something quirky that they can’t wait to part with (like one year it was one of those mechanical singing fish). The gifts don’t need to be wrapped, they are on display for all to see. Everyone picks a number which determines the order in which people select gifts. When it’s your turn, you may pick a new gift or “steal” one that has already been taken. The person who you steal from then gets to pick something else from the selection. It becomes a comical competition, and everyone gets in on the fun.

White elephant gifts are my favorite zero-impact gift option. I’ve done this with friend groups and with family holiday gatherings and it’s always a blast.

Experiences

Experiences make memorable gifts, support our local businesses and decrease the need for extra packaging, transportation and shipping. If there’s such a thing as a win:win:win:win this is it. Here are some examples of great experience gifts:

• Tickets for a play, concert or sporting event (such as NE theaters Profile Theater and Portland Playhouse or events at Alberta Rose, Alberta Abbey and Alberta Historic House)
• An e-bike tour of Hood River through solrides.com
• A gift card for a favorite brewery, bakery or restaurant
• A gift certificate for a massage or facial (Check out tinymassagecart.com, sweetsaffronnaturalskincare.com)
• A gift certificate for a class or services such as communitycyclingcenter.org or bike repair, cooking classes through viviennepdx.com or art classes through collagepdx.com
• For loved ones far away consider gift cards they can use for special treats near them, like for a special chocolate store

Memberships

Memberships are experience gifts that keep on giving. Many local companies provide gist membership options. Here are a few ideas:

• A pint of Salt and Straw every month
• Two packages of coffee every other week delivered to their house by Keia and Martyn (keiaandmartynscoffee.com)
• Membership to Dogwood wine club for monthly bottles and tasting (dogwoodpdx.com) Personal Donations Here are ways to donate your own time or money thoughtfully.
• Donations to organizations of importance or special meaning to your loved ones in their honor
• Gifts of service from you, like meals or a written promise of a few hours of gardening help or childcare.

Gifts for Children

Children’s gifts can get expensive. Rather than running to the store for the latest fad toy, consider gifting handmade coupons, which can be for any number of things, such as:

• Get to stay up one hour late on chosen night
• Pass to skip chores for a week
• Ice cream sundae night
• Visit to the fire station
• Game Night of their choice
• Making Playdoh together, building with Legos, or playing with a favorite toy
• Extra books at bedtime

When wrapping your gifts, use reusable gift bags instead of wrapping paper and ribbons. Happy holiday season and may we all be blessed with health and peace.

Esther Lerman Freeman is a certified Master Recycler and Concordia resident.

By Joshua Lickteig | Contributing Writer

Had any fun with philately lately? Philately, the study and collection of postal delivery materials, prospers in an old fire station building on NE 33rd Avenue half a block south of Alberta Street. Its five columns, flagpole and prominent gable roof welcome visitors into worlds of hobby and history: stamps, postmarked envelopes, cards, letters, and souvenir sheets. Oregon Stamp Society (OSS), a volunteer-based organization belonging to the Northwest Federation of Stamp Clubs, hosts regular public fairs and bourses that bring together buyer enthusiasts, casual collectors, heirs, onetime sellers, and dealers. OSS operates the Northwest Philatelic Library, which contains over 5,300 items, 160 journals, and over 120 years of price catalogs.

Whether you are interested in a particular era, geographical region, subject or theme, discovery awaits at a clubhouse gathering. There’s splendor in the way dealers, exhibitors, and collectors operate the floor with respect and cooperation.

“Here, everyone wants to share their knowledge,” says Deborah Jutz, whose son Cétán just began looking for baseball-themed stamps. They like the thrill of the search, learning about the pastime together, and the patience and sincerity of the relaxed sellers.

In the lobby Steve King, OSS president for the past three and a half years and member since 2005, identifies the period of an unmarked postcard from the Crater Lake Hotel. King worked with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for 31 years.

“Back then, there were no photographs of small towns taken by citizens; just by official postcard photographers,” he notes. Lit magnifying glass in hand, the basis for his assessment lies in the lodge’s apparent physical condition in the picture and the thin white border on the postcard (a cost-saving measure following WWI).

Contrasting the contemporary boom of shared digital images, few personal letters are sent today. The society’s library manager Isaac Oelgart, removing a short-brimmed fedora and white blazer, joins the room.

“A stamp is a service,” he says, “unless you don’t use it, then it’s just a piece of paper.” Stamps generate revenue for government-run postal systems and can appeal aesthetically or as investments to buyers. Oelgart says that most newspapers used to have a philatelic columnist.

Downstairs, a library is kept in a tidy L-shaped space with over 25 subject categories, from auction catalogs to antiquated postal stationery. In a glass case by its entrance is a framed photo of Mary McBride, president from 1959-1960, instrumental in acquiring the clubhouse when it came up for sale in 1960. Presently, there are 6,000 or more unique resources for research. “We’re the biggest small or the smallest big [mail] library in the United States,” Oelgart says. Only Chicago and New York host a more sizable set of stacks.

OSS is healthy as an organization, publishes its newsletter The Album Page monthly, and has low member resignation over the years. Though as some pass on, less join. In 1980 there were about 450 members; today 150, and ten to thirty people attend the board meetings. The clubhouse is also leased to other local organizations; namely, Webfooters Post Card Club, Sojourn Church PDX, All-Ireland Cultural Society of Oregon, and Northwest Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club.

Neighborhood support remains steady. In a couple of hours during my visit, at least three in-kind donations, mostly boxes of family collections, even stamp découpage, were received. Several passersby stopped and mentioned they’d been meaning to for some time. King says this is pretty regular.

OSS holds regular library hours, membership meetings and a monthly stamp fair that is open to the public. Deliver your intrigue to the historical realm of stampomania!

Joshua Lickteig is an artist and engineer. He was born near the other Milwaukee and has been in Portland for six years. His latest book of poems is called Half Moon Day Sun.

By Heidi Hiasson | Assistant Director of University, Communications, University of Oregon

When Lavelle Allen stepped up to the counter at the new KISS coffee shop on the University of Oregon campus, owner Sarah Pearson asked if she wanted her regular order – a latte and poppyseed muffin.

It’s common for KISS employees to get to know their regulars. But in this case, Allen had moved from the neighborhood the year before, and this was a new location for KISS on the University of Oregon Portland campus.

“This is exactly why we all love KISS. They are so friendly and part of the community,” Allen says. She and Mary Knocke found a table in front of two-story windows in the Library and Learning Center, where KISS on Campus is located. The sun was bright and warm, even though frost still covered the grass near the amphitheater outside.

Knocke, who has lived in the neighborhood since 2006, sipped her mocha. “I walk every day. That’s how we met,” she gestures at Allen. “We lived on the same street, and we would see each other out walking. I used to walk here with a book and get a coffee.”

The two talked about the worry within the neighborhood when the campus became empty and what might happen to it. “It was a sigh of relief when we heard about the University of Oregon,” says Allen. “The neighborhood likes having a university here. It makes it feel like a college town. Having KISS open here makes it just that much better.”

Pearson owns the business with her husband, Trae. The first location opened in June 2019.

“We were outgrowing our current space and wanted a second location close by. We wanted to take that step with our community,” Pearson says. “They’ve been fantastic with their support. U of O fits in with the community, too. Everyone is kind and friendly and it’s been a smooth transition.”

KISS on Campus opened in January. It serves the seasonal coffees and housemade pastries that customers have come to know. It also serves bagels and lunch sandwiches, and is working on building out a grab-and-go section as well. In addition to neighbors, this location has become a favorite spot for U of O students, employees and those working on the renovations to the campus.

“It has good energy,” says Maleka Blake as she orders a decaf oatmilk latte with extra caramel. Blake works for Multnomah County Library, which has a temporary location on the other side of the building. “Also, make sure to try the seasonal jam on an everything bagel with cream cheese.”

KISS on Campus is located at 2800 NE Liberty St. in the Library and Learning Center on the University of Oregon Portland campus. Hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Heidi Hiaasen has been with the University of Oregon since 2008 in a variety of communications roles. She works at the new UO Portland campus and enjoys exploring the Concordia Neighborhood

By Nedra Rezinas | Contributing Writer

Teote closed late last summer. However, it is opening a location called Teote the Tavern at 5513 NE 30th Avenue. Teote isn’t the only thing different; driving and walking around our neighborhood, I’ve noticed a lot of changes to storefronts and businesses. Here’s a summary of the recent changes I’ve seen.

Alberta Street

Alberta Alley (3003 NE Alberta St.) has a new addition; Kaya, a cocktail bar that features 80s & 90s R&B music and elevated bar food. Kaya was inspired by the YouTube series “Kicks and Cocktails” which pairs cocktail drink recipes with specific sneakers.

Assembly Brewing will open its second location this winter on 2934 NE Alberta Street. Unlike the SE Foster location which only serves ages 21+, their Alberta location will serve all ages and offer five by-the-slice pizza options, whole pies, and more.

Vivienne, currently located on NE Sandy Boulevard, will be moving to 2724 NE Alberta Street and opening in the next couple of months. Vivienne is an independent, woman-owned cookbook store that carries kitchenware and linens. It also offers a daily wine bar, cookbook classes, and private parties.

Community Cycle Center (1700 NE Alberta St.) recently remodeled its storefront. Now it offers a new membership-based DIY workspace with thirteen stands, a smaller retail storefront with new and used items, and a bike repair classroom.

Bolt moved from NE 42nd to its new location on 2904 NE Alberta Street on November 9th. A fabric store with a focus on natural fabrics and sewing supplies, Bolt has been in Concordia for over 18 years.

Killingsworth Street

Autumn Coffee Cafe (3286 NE Killingsworth) is a new coffee spot providing fresh roasted, handcrafted coffee by the cup or beans you can take home and brew yourself. The 1600 block on Killingsworth is devoted to folks who enjoy plant-based and vegan products. Upper Moon Tattoo (5470 NE 16th Ave.), is a safe inclusive tattoo shop dedicated to using vegan and cruelty-free products. Orange & Blossom opened next door and is a modern, farm-focused, plantbased patisserie using seasonal, local and organic ingredients. Feral (1614 NE Killingsworth St.) opened in November with a focus on craft cocktails, natural wine, local beer and vegan cuisine.

NE 42nd Ave.

Queer Plants Cafe just opened in the former Miss Zumstein storefront on 5027 NE 42nd Avenue. Queer Plants Cafe is one part unique plant sale and one part cozy cafe, serving Coava Coffee, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and bagels.

Misplaced Print Shop recently moved from Slabtown to 4831 NE 42nd Avenue. Misplaced offers custom screen printing for musicians, bars, restaurants, and nonprofits. It also has a retail selection of original printed-on accessories such as t-shirts, hats, and bags.

All these changes are exciting and invigorating to watch but it has been challenging for many businesses to keep their doors open since the beginning of the Covid outbreak. Let’s celebrate these new additions to our community and support these local businesses.

Nedra Rezinas lives near U of O in Concordia. She does marketing strategy for small businesses, is a mom, drinks tea, is a birder, and is passionate to build community.

By Nedra Rezinas | Contributing Writer

Holiday shopping is around the corner and I want to encourage you to shop locally this year. Shopping locally creates jobs, keeps money in the local economy, nurtures a sense of community, and supports the environment by reducing waste and conserving energy. Luckily, we have access to a wide range of unique retail stores right here in Concordia. There’s truly something for everyone.

For the Ladies

Lady Mae Boutique (2136 NE Alberta St.) has a great selection of cute outfits and accessories to match. The boutique name is inspired by the owner’s mother “Lady Mae” and her ability to put together amazing outfits. Great gift items offered here are high quality sweaters, gold filled earrings, and super soft cashmere blend socks. They also have eye-catching hair clips featuring fruits and unique patterns in bright, happy colors and offer gift wrapping in pretty packaging. I’ll be stopping by to buy gifts for my daughter and niece.

For the Guys

If you know a dude who loves sports, Laundry (1723 NE Alberta St.) can help. Carrying a wide selection of vintage sports hats, jerseys, sweatshirts, shorts, jackets and accessories from many current and retired teams, you’ll find something unique that he will love! Another option, Blendily (1532 NE Alberta St.) carries an impressive selection of homemade beauty products that make nice stocking stuffers like beard oil, beard combs, and mustache wax.

For Your Colleagues and Acquaintances

Candles are inviting year round, but especially nice on cold, rainy winter days. Stop by Mister OK’s Essentials (1455 NE Alberta St.) for soy-based scented candles with creative names like Belvedere and Empathy. For those who enjoy something sweet, pick up a box of mini cheesecakes and other delicious treats at Tiny Moreso (4520 NE 42nd Ave.), a vegan bakery. Petite Provence Boulangerie & Pâtisserie (1824 NE Alberta St.) offers seasonal and standard macarons, lemon tarts, croissants, and more French pastries, which can be boxed up as gifts.

For Little Ones

Shopping for the children in your life? Grasshopper (1816 NE Alberta St.) has got you covered with products from abroad and locally that are eco-friendly and fair trade. Grasshopper has something to delight kids of every age; from science-based toys, art kits, clothing and wooden toys to tea kits, books and games. Great gift ideas are the classic pull–along snail and Blabla dolls with distinct personalities. Don’t forget the cute stability balls for preschoolers and 200-500 piece animal puzzles for grade schoolers.

For Pet Lovers

The Filling Station (2001 NE Alberta St.) has everything you need for your pet; leashes, collars, toys, bowls, and food including freeze dried treats (good for both cats and dogs.) Many of the items are natural and eco-friendly. Show your pets some love this holiday with fun stuffies for your dog including the popular Lamb Chop and indulge your kitty with catnip pillows, tuna puree, and crinkle balls. The Filling Station is also a friendly place to bring your pets, boasting an outside treat station and lots of love and treats for pet guests inside. Can’t wait to get my dog something special.

For the Vintage Lover

Take it or Leave It (5012 NE 42nd Ave.) is a nicely curated thrift store filled with treasures from today and yesterday. A majority of the store’s inventory comes from individuals who bring items for consignment or trade. This store has furniture, clothing, accessories, housewares, jewelry, kids’ toys, and puzzles. It has an impressive selection of vintage and new glassware, bowls, pitchers, plates, mugs and more. I find kitchenware makes an excellent gift. I’ve had luck buying items for my in-laws here (and for myself too!).

For Sci-fi and Fantasy Fans

Parallel Worlds (2639 NE Alberta St.) has a vast collection of new and used fantasy and sci-fi books. I can buy YA fantasy books for my daughter and sci-fi books for my husband here. You’ll find classic authors like Ursula LeGuin, J.R.R. Tolkien, Terry Prachett, and many more. Gift recommendations are The Green Bone Saga by the local writer Fonda Lee and Monk & Robot by Becky Chambers.

Our neighborhood shops have a wide range of creative, unique items that make wonderful holiday gifts. This year, try exploring some of the stores above or one you’ve been curious about for your holiday shopping. I bet you’ll find some fun surprises along the way.

[All photos by Roxanne Rezinas.]

Nedra Rezinas lives near U of O in Concordia. She does marketing strategy for small businesses, is a mom, drinks tea, is a birder, and is passionate to build community.

By Nedra Rezinas | Contributing Writer

The graffiti art on the building in the alleyway at Alberta Alley (3003 NE Alberta Street) is playful, depicting children holding hands, walking along the street. I’ve been watching with curiosity to see the unfolding of this space. Currently there are three new restaurants: Boxer Ramen and Baes Fried Chicken opened early this year; Kinnamons, a bakery that sells cinnamon rolls and soft serve, opened this summer. I decided to take my family to check out these new businesses.

One standout feature is the covered alleyway itself. Framed by a large wall of plants, the alleyway connects all the storefronts and allows customers to eat outside, rain or shine. There’s also bench seating outside of the restaurants to enjoy during sunny weather that connects via a pedestrian walkway.

Ndamukong Suh and Micah Camden own Baes and Kinnamons together. Suh was excited to develop the space along Alberta. A native of Portland, Suh has watched Alberta change and evolve in the last decade and investing in building on Alberta was his way of creating the Portland he wanted to experience as a kid. According to an April interview in Eater, Suh wants Alberta to be a safe place to walk and encourages people to support the ever changing arts district.

Baes

The first thing I noticed walking through the front door of Baes was the tropical wallpaper with pineapples. Plants, elegant mirrors, and natural light fill the space.These features would make any Portlander perk up on a rainy day. Large jars of pickled cucumbers and green beans fill the shelves, serving as a reminder that Baes appreciates quality ingredients in their food.

At Baes, you can have your fried chicken three ways: traditional, hot, or honey butter. Salads, mac and cheese, waffle fries, biscuits, sandwiches and slushies are also available. My husband, daughter and I sit down. We order waffle fries and chicken sandwiches.

The smell of the waffle fries brings back memories of the county fair. They are delicious, crispy and pair well with Bae’s custom hot sauce. The chicken is tender and juicy with very flavorful housemade pickles. Open 7 days a week, Baes also offers a brunch menu.

Kinnamons

Kinnamons has a very clean, open feel with lots of space to eat indoors or out. It has a delightful selection of cinnamon rolls in flavors such as maple bacon, raspberry pistachio, coconut key lime pie and of course, the simple classic cream cheese. What you won’t find online is their soft serve menu with flavors that mirror their cinnamon rolls. If you aren’t craving something sweet, Kinnamons has a selection of drinks including cold brew coffee, kombucha on tap and Steven Smith teas.

At the front counter, we order a raspberry pistachio cinnamon roll and when it arrives the first thing I notice is the size of the raspberries: they’re huge! It’s a great pairing that’s light and airy. Being fans of raspberry, we also try the soft serve raspberry chocolate combo. I love the crunch of the chocolate pearls and discovering the hidden hot fudge at the base of the ice cream.

Boxer

Crave ramen on a cold or hot day? Boxer is your answer! Boxer offers a number of plates such as classics like chicken karaage as well as bowls and potstickers. Their ramen bowls include spicy red miso with pork belly and vegetable curry. They have a number of cocktails on hand and saké by the glass and by the bottle.

Ramen is such a comfort food and being a meat eater, I enjoy Tonkotsu Shio with the pork belly. The broth has a nice savory flavor and pairs well with the noodles. The delicate, yet delicious poached sliced egg with a bold yellow yolk complete the dish.

Be sure to check out the delicious food at Alberta Alley. I encourage you to order in and enjoy the open environment, indoors and outside.

Nedra Rezinas lives near U of O in Concordia. She does marketing strategy for small businesses, is a mom, drinks tea, is a birder, and is passionate to build community.

Chris Yen never expected his sports-heavy childhood to lead to a career, but that’s exactly what happened.

In 2017, Yen opened Laundry, a sports retail store carrying hundreds of vintage jerseys, hats and tees. But Laundry, 1723 Alberta St., wasn’t a product of years of collecting and planning; Yen describes it as a “happy accident.”

“I was just trying something out; it was an experiment,” says Yen, 40, who holds a degree in English Literature and previously worked in publishing. The experiment succeeded: in 2017, Willamette Week called Laundry “the most original vintage shop Portland has seen in years.”

The shop has since worked with professional stylists to outfit stars like LeBron James and Odell Beckham, Jr., to name just a few. And in March of this year, it moved from Chinatown to its new home on Alberta Street. “I’m happy with the prospect of the Concordia neighborhood,” says Yen, a Phoenix, AZ, native and father of two. “There’s greater access to foot traffic and to residential families and children.”

On a rainy-May Monday, I decided to check out the store for myself. In its windows hang brightly colored items of clothing on a 1920s antique rack from a German department store. I step inside. The small shop is white and clean. In the middle of the front room, a 1960s metal garment conveyor holds more colorful jerseys. On the back wall, dozens of vintage ball caps line clean shelves below traditional Chinese woodwork. It’s clear that Laundry is something different and special.

Because sports retail companies didn’t start manufacturing broadly for fans as consumers until the 1980s [and not before then] Laundry carries mostly vintage items from that era until today. Yen estimates that 99% of his merchandise is sourced from within 30 miles of Portland.

“We buy from professional pickers and resellers, and sometimes from regular folks who have outgrown an article of clothing or a team,” says Yen. He sells lots of Damian Lillard, Brandon Roy, and Rasheed Wallace jerseys, but also carries merchandise from lesser-known sports team including The Breakers, who played football for the United States Football League in Portland circa 1985.

Also represented are the two women’s basketball teams that have played locally; Portland Power, an American Basketball League team active from 1996- 1998, and Portland Fire, a WNBA team from 2020-2022.

Yen grew up in a Chinese family that first immigrated to the US in the 1870s. Under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and The Geary Act of 1892, Chinese immigration was restricted and the Chinese already here required licenses to work. Opening up and working in hand laundries enabled them to support their families because it required no English and whites considered the work undesirable.

Yen says he chose the name Laundry because it connotes accessibility, and it emphasizes the strong impact clothes have on how people view each other. In addition, Yen wished to pay homage to the Chinese laundries that form an integral part of his cultural heritage. That tribute is also reflected in the store’s décor, with its gorgeous Chinatown wood carvings and big red lantern in back.

The store is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every other day. Yen says he’s excited about the new location and hopes to sell some presents for Father’s Day “The aim of the store is to try to tell a story.”

Dina Sage is thrilled to be the new editor for CNews. She’s looking forward to paddle boarding, bike riding and tasting new ice cream flavors this summer.

The sentiment “Be the change you want to see in the world,” attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, sums up the latest business venture by Chilango PDX owner Vanessa Arochi.

Instead of a “restaurant,” Arochi refers to Chilango PDX, 2217 NE Alberta St., as a “project” and wants this project to change the world from the inside out.

Chilango PDX’s business model includes paying employees, who she refers to as “collaborators,” a living wage of $20 per hour plus tips, cross-training staff on all aspects of the business from cooking to serving, fostering a non-toxic work environment using nonviolent communication, sharing 30% of the business profits with staff, celebrating Latin American culture and creating a space free from stereotypes of Mexico.

The restaurant is “about all of us, building together with each brick,” Arochi said.

Savanna Carillo, one of Chilango PDX’s collaborators, used the words “amazing,” “home” and “supported” to describe working there. “I have the utmost respect for Vanessa,” Carillo said.

Arochi, originally from Mexico City, has a background in biochemistry with a focus on food science. Prior to moving to the United States, she had a career in developing new food products for companies in Mexico. After coming to the United States, first to San Francisco and then to Portland, she considered different career options before trying her hand at restaurant pop-ups, a food cart and eventually Chilango PDX.

Arochi brings a deep love of developing complex and delicious flavors and textures in her food creations. She also brings a passion for veganism, which she has been practicing for seven years. “I believe in a world without violence or suffering and animals are a part of that world,” she said.

She also noted that the restaurant “demonstrates that you don’t need meat to create good food.” Carillo says “vegan food gets a bad rap” and encourages people to “give it a try.”

“Chilango” is slang for someone who is from Mexico City. Arochi is proud of her Chilango roots and honors her heritage through artwork on the walls, including a mandala of giant metal luchadores, or Mexican wrestlers. She sees this image as a metaphor for “fighting together” to create a better world.

Chilango PDX will host a Cinco de Mayo neighborhood party from 3–7 p.m. Friday, May 5, with live music. CNA Social Committee will meet there prior to party, at 2 p.m.

Nota del editor: El artículo está disponible en español, ConcordiaPDX.org/Chilango.

Jordana Leeb is a longtime Concordia resident who i s passionate about the neighborhood, its people and trees. She lives with her partner and newly adopted special needs dog. You can see her recent film about Concordia at TinyURL.com/DiaryOfAStreet.

By Leigh Shelton | CNews Advertising Representative

Since he was a child, Joseph Mohrmann has survived off discarded food from New Seasons.

“It was essentially ‘Blue Slips,’” Mohrmann said, using the store term for edible-but-unsellable food up for grabs for employees. What employees don’t take is donated to community groups.

“We went to a church that got food donations from New Seasons,” Mohrmann said. “I remember packing paper bags for others in need, but it was for us, too. We needed them too.”

Now, at age 24, a five-year grocery clerk at New Seasons Concordia, 5320 NE 33rd Ave, Mohrmann still relies on the discarded food to get by. At $18.80 an hour, after rent and bills are paid, he said he has about $200 left to spend on food and anything else he may need or want in the two weeks before he gets paid again.

“I’m very frugal,” Mohrmann said, who shares an apartment in Cully with his sister. “We don’t heat the apartment much. I shop at thrift stores.”

For about a year, Mohrmann and his co-workers have been meeting after hours to figure out what they can do to improve conditions in their workplace. In December, they filed for a union election and voted 94–16 in favor of joining the New Seasons Labor Union, a new independent union the workers formed themselves in 2022. Seven other Portland-area New Seasons stores have voted to join them, totaling 800 newly unionized workers.

“It took a lot of energy and time to cultivate our working-class solidarity,” said Raël Adkerson, a seven-year New Seasons employee and Concordia resident. “In a time when people are very polarized, we have to get back to understanding that our labor is something that brings us all together.”

Adkerson said the progressive language the company touts no longer matches his day-to-day experience. “The things this company was built on, we want to see some of that back,” Adkerson said.

Negotiations are underway for the workers’ first contract.

Progressive label

New Seasons is a 19-store grocery chain founded here in Portland in 1999. In 2009, New Seasons’ founding members sold off a majority stake of the company to Endeavour Capital, a private equity firm. In 2019, Endeavour sold New Seasons, along with a suite of similar West Coast grocers, to E-mart Inc, South Korea’s largest retailer.

New Seasons markets heavily its Certified B Corporation label. Awarded by global nonprofit B-Lab to achieve the “B Corp” label, a for-profit business is supposed to meet certain criteria in areas of sustainability, worker standards, and accounting transparency. When New Seasons first won the award in 2013, it did so with a score of 120 points. In its most recent survey, its points slipped to 80, the minimum required to hold the label.

In an email, a New Seasons spokesperson said, “From the time our company was founded in 1999, we have been rooted in taking care of our staff first and foremost, and B Corp certification is a recognition of the great work we’ve done. We’re proud of our legacy as a progressive employer that offers industry-leading wages, a 30 percent discount, and generous benefits, including paid parental leave, paid time off, paid adoption benefits, 401K matching, twice-a-year automatic wage increases and so much more.”

Informing customers

On a rainy Saturday afternoon in early February, New Seasons employee Dan Morrissey gathered with co-workers at the edge of the parking lot and approached customers as they came and went from the store. It was the first time the workers brought their struggle to customers’ attention. “Once people understand that we work here, and just want to talk to them about what’s going on in the store, they’re incredibly supportive,” Morrissey said.

Morrissey said he joined the union hoping for better pay, but most importantly, he’s seeking respect from the management.

For Joe Meyers, a 15-year New Seasons employee, who currently works in produce, respect is top on his list as well. “‘Patronizing’ is a word I keep coming back to when I think of how the company treats its workers: like high school kids who need a parent figure instead of full adult humans, critical to their success and contributing members of society,” wrote Meyers in an email.

Meyers said as the company has grown, he’s seen an explosion of middle management positions, while his job gets narrower and more mindless.

“We used to problem solve,” he said. “It’s not just pay, but training, resources and respect are all in short supply. In my view, the company had maybe a very small opportunity in the beginning to ‘create good jobs in the community’ as all businesses like to promote, but they chose money instead and now seem hell-bent on not listening and creating a desperate transient workforce.”

Leigh Shelton is the ad rep for Concordia News. She loves getting to know her Concordia neighbors and exploring ways we can better support each other. Reach out and say hi at CNewsBusiness@ConcordiaPDX.org.