Category Archives: Local Businesses

What’s in a name?

Laura Amiton chose The Filling Station for the name of her 2001 N.E. Alberta St. pet store, “to emphasize our ability to fill the needs of pets and their owners for nutritious and healthful food and treats.”

The pet supply store has been true to that mission for 15 years, and she hopes to continue to serve the community for years to come. Laura remembers in the very beginning her first location on Alberta was surrounded by empty lots and store fronts.

Growing with the neighborhood has been a source of pride. She values the sense of community, and it is evident in the number of her patrons, including four-legged ones.

Employee Yolin May estimated about 40-60 dogs a day visit the store along with their owners. They come for the treats and attention from the staff. Yolin said there are some interesting pet visitors, listing a hedgehog and a pig that did tricks.

The store’s tag line, “Feed the love” is apparent in the array of dietary options for a variety of special-needs nutrition related to skin allergies, grain sensitivities and digestive health.

All the employees are knowledgeable about the products stored on the shelves and can provide resources for most questions concerning the family pet.

“We work closely with local vets and recognize that natural products are most pet owners’ choice,” Laura explained. “I believe good nutrition is the secret to a pet’s long and active life.”

Anna Ilchak, purchasing manager, added, “We get really attached to our pet visitors. We know most of their names and their favorite treats. Many are on special diets related to diabetes, obesity and cancer, so checking in with them on their progress is rewarding.”

Healthy food and petting perks aren’t the only love being shared at the store. A variety of chew toys and activity-treat puzzles are also available.

Winter coats and rain gear for pup sizes miniature to extra-large are in stock, as well as leashes, collars, halters and a variety of devices to walk your pet comfortably and safely.

Laura stressed the local community is The Filling Station’s focus, so the store provides the best service she can and products she finds available to pet lovers in the store and online. And its merchandise is available for same-day delivery through TFSPets.com.

Kathy Crabtree lives near Fernhill Park and enjoys the constant flow of dogs happily on their way to romp off leash. In real life she is a nursing professor. In her dreams she is the creator of a series of mystery adventures of a retired female lawyer/judge of a certain age – to be named at a latter date. Contact her at KCrabtree4320@att.net.

By Carrie Wenninger | CNA Media Team

For Pepe Moscoso, owner, curator and visual artist at Blind Insect, the recent move is a bit like coming home to an old friend. The multicultural art gallery opened at 2841 N.E. Alberta St.

When his southeast Division Street landlord decided to sell the building that housed the gallery, it offered Alberta Street a chance to work its synchronistic magic. Enter the proprietors of La Bonita, friends of Pepe, who suggested the vacant storefront adjoining their taqueria.

The vibrantly colored mural splashed across the building and the sunny southern exposure made it an easy decision.

So did Pepe’s longtime connection to Concordia’s art scene, which began 12 years prior through Allan Oliver, founder of the now-shuttered Onda Arte Latina gallery.

Featuring fine artists from Latin America and holding art openings on Last Thursdays, Onda was the first gallery to open its doors to Pepe’s work. And, when Blind Insect held its grand opening here last July, Allan was there to welcome him back.

Visitors are drawn into the small – but rich-with-curious-eye-and-soulgrabbing-art – space, the very opposite of a traditionally sparse and white-walled gallery. That space is split 50-50 between gallery and gift shop offerings with prices starting at just a few dollars. This is a place to taste affordable art and then develop your palate.

“Art helps us connect to our emotions. In the end, it’s a conversation that happens here,” Pepe said. He makes sure to photograph happy customers with their purchases. Those photos are featured on BlindInsect.com, partly to show the artist where his or her work has gone.

“An artist’s work is their baby,” he said. “It’s nice to know who now has your baby.”

He believes the name Blind Insect strikes a chord, and it has proven to be a strong marketing element. It recalls arriving in a new country and feeling blind to the culture, food and language.

It also touches on the alien-like nature of insects, as well as a childhood taunt, “mosca” – Spanish for “fly” – based on his surname, Moscoso.

The gallery accepts work from people of color, emerging artists and professional artists, which is to say: everyone. Online sales are in the works, as is a joint program with Pacific Northwest College of Art to offer student internships.

His message for neighbors? “Stop by, please keep supporting multicultural artists and, if you are an artist, we want to see your work.”

Carrie Wenninger lives on 29th Avenue in Concordia. She is a freelance writer, a mom, a world traveler and a small business marketing consultant. Contact her at WurdGurl@gmail.com.

By Jessica Rojas

I go to different taquerias, for different reasons. So I gotta talk about – taco-bout – some of my faves.

La Sirenita

The everyday staple taco for taquerias in northeast is La Sirenita on Alberta Street and 28th Avenue, and it’s OG Veterano, home of the affordable comida since Day 1. I can still remember the humble beginnings of that location which, back then, was a small store with a jukebox that played oldies and had a food cart outside.

The elder who first owned the building took me and my sisters in as family, and I worked there in the tiendita, the store side. The family that made the food and ran the kitchen was separate from the store. Over the years, I watched three generations work the front counter of their kitchen.

My old time favorite is black bean tostada and salsa verde. What I value so much about them is that, when I did not have the money to eat, sometimes they just fed me, saying, “You need to eat.”

That is a part of our culture, to take care of our community through food and hospitality. And to this day, most people of northeast know of La Sirenita as an affordable, consistent provider of quality Mexican food.

Santo Domingo

When it’s Sunday, and I am most likely visiting my dad, he is going to want a carne asada burrito. By this point in the week, I’ve had my staple and work tacos, but there is something more I crave.

That is when I go to Santo Domingo at 42nd Avenue and Killingsworth Street. My main motivation is chicken mole tacos and steak fajitas. I like to say, “Don’t cheat yourself – treat yourself.” Sunday is a good day for sour cream anyways.

The parking isn’t the greatest, but it is close to the bus line on an up-andcoming new main street, 42nd Avenue.

The menu will not disappoint you.

Taco Machine

Looking for a taco truck? Taco Machine at Killingsworth Street and 16th Avenue is my local taco truck. They have the carne asada fries and potato or mushroom tacos for the moments I don’t feel like eating meat. All for a very good price.

Let’s support this small business. I would like to see them expand their hours as this part of Killingsworth grows.

She has the classics at a good price. This is where I go when I am ready to eat/”hangry.” Sometimes I will write a – always nice – message on her whiteboard, which is decorated in notes of gratitude from the many loyal visitors.

By Mischa Webley

Ainsworth Food Market

Ainsworth Food Market on 30th Avenue and Ainsworth Street had a little bit of everything: cheap food, soda and an eclectic collection of everything for sale – from dusty pieces of Tupperware to a strangely specific selection of stationery to a huge selection of flavored incense with pornographic names.

I could see it from the front yard of the house I grew up in, and I ended up there at least a few times a week. Over the years the reasons would change for walking up there. First was the candy. Fifty cents would buy you one of those “fruit” pies – no fruit, just sugar – and I was happily addicted to them.

Then it was for more practical reasons like running errands for my mom. Maybe she was baking and ran out of flour or salt or oil. We would get a last-minute dozen eggs or orange juice and occasionally even some produce, which was parked in the back corner and always looked a little sad.

For my parents, who were very uptight about what food we ate, the candy was my secret, and the occasional purchase of non-organic flour was my mom’s. I kept both to myself.

As I got older, I developed a new addiction to movies, and the market had me covered on that too. I rented VHS tapes from the standing racks of random titles that were scattered around the store. Most of them were out of date and just about all of them were rated R.

The first movie I ever rented, at the age of 12, was Platoon. Of course it wasn’t age-appropriate, but the owner – who worked behind the counter seven days a week – just picked up the phone and called my dad to clear it with him. From then on, I could rent anything I wanted, no questions asked.

Where can you get customer service like that anymore?

Jay’s Food Mart

A little bit further up the street, Jay’s Food Mart sat on the northwest corner of 33rd Avenue and Killingsworth Street. Jay’s was a classic, no-frills mini-mart that reliably had all the junk food and vices you might need.

It was also right on the intersection of the old No. 10 and No. 72 bus lines for added convenience.

Jay’s shut down several years ago and the building sat empty for a long time. The sight of its replacement, a Mud Bay outlet that sells gourmet pet food, is still jarring to me.

Back in the day, the unhealthy selection of food at Jay’s was still some of the only food close by – that part of northeast was a certifiable food desert. The irony is that now it’s a store that sells food for pets that is probably healthier than the food Jay’s sold to us.

But I still miss the old market.

By Marsha Sandman | CNA Media Team

As if the Alberta Rose Theatre isn’t fabulous enough. Joe Cawley, owner and purveyor of all things amazing, has opened Rosie’s Lounge right across the street.

It’s a cocktail lounge, restaurant, late night spot and a perfectly warm and inviting oasis. Guests say they are impressed immediately with the delightful décor which is, of course, dominated by roses.

Both warm and engaging – Blest VonWeter, manager, and Sarah King assistant manager – are longtime Concordians. You might recognize Sarah as the singer with The Nowhere Band at the Alberta Rose Theatre. They are the creative talent behind the interior design.

Blest produced the cocktail offerings and Sarah helped to build the dinner, happy hour and late night snack menus for the 4 p.m.–1 a.m. lounge.

Blest and Sarah have been friends for more than 30 years and business partners for five as interior designers and owners of Gold Dust, which was once located inside the Alberta Rose building.

Joe appreciated their design aesthetics and knew they were the perfect pair when he learned Gold Dust on Alberta Street at 14th Avenue will close soon.

He gave them complete artistic license in the remodeling and design of the former Stella Taco at 2940 N.E. Alberta St.

“It’s decadent, colorful, glamorous, romantic and welcoming,” Sarah explained. Gilded mirrors and larger-than-life roses grace the walls. Blest built the beautiful and abundant crystal chandeliers.

The new solid walnut bar is an excellent spot to enjoy libations. This is not your typical minimalist Portland bar. Rosie’s Lounge is Portland proud with 90% of the décor sourced locally. “Love is in the details,” Sarah pointed out.

After you’ve settled in, you’ll be wowed by the dinner and drinks menus. Blest is a master mixologist who promises seasonal changes.

The impressive dinner menu was designed by the owner, head chef Dee Dee Hopkins, and a group of other talented chefs, in addition to Sarah. It’s a unique and interesting menu intended to please all palettes.

Next spring Rosie’s plans to offer a brunch service with outside seating. Promised is a menu with seasonal changes and all food is, like its surroundings, sourced locally.

Facebook.com/rosiesloungeportland and Instagram’s @Rosie’sLounge offer evidence of the popularity of Rosie’s Lounge since it opened in December.

After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.

By Carrie Wenninger | CNA Media Team

Sometimes things fall apart, only to come back together better than you ever could have imagined. Such was the case with the Annex, the event venue across the courtyard from Cruzroom’s main bar and restaurant at 2338 N.E. Alberta Street.

Ready to open a second location, owner Octavio ‘Tavi’ Cruz-Uribe had scouted the perfect space across town when the deal suddenly fell through, explained the Annex’s manager and head booker Jake Jarvis.

And that’s precisely when the spacious, empty building mere feet away became available.

A mechanic shop in the 1940s, Cruzroom is now a favorite gathering place known for its cocktails, innovative tacos and popular outdoor patio. The Annex served as car storage for the shop, then sat idle for decades. It has now found new life as a thriving 150-person capacity performance venue.

Open for a year, the Annex hosts a packed schedule of local and larger bands; dedicated nights for jazz and Brazilian music, comedy, trivia and open mic; Yoga and Tacos events; miscellaneous classes; and more.

Jake is also the bassist for the Portland band Fir. He and friends had a huge hand in the renovations and interior build-out. Rumor has it the space also boasts the only full-size pool table on Alberta Street, previously owned by former Portland Trail Blazers great Kevin Duckworth.

Crowds were initially slow to arrive, but things picked up last spring thanks to the increasingly popular open mic night, which draws in an eclectic mix of talent.

Angelyna Tropets of Honey Latte Presents assists with all-ages show bookings and the website and social media presence. Jake focuses on cultivating curated events and residencies in addition to managing the Annex.

Find the event schedule at Cruzroom.com/annex. Looking to book a show? Email CruzroomAnnex@gmail.com

“We want to be a positive part of the neighborhood, a space where people can come, relax and be safe while enjoying a variety of shows,” Jake emphasized.

“We welcome all people and we absolutely do not tolerate any sort of discrimination.”

Not just about skinny jeans, band t-shirts and flannels, the Annex’s wideranging offerings make it clear there’s something here for everyone. The menu is the same as Cruzroom’s, including many vegan and gluten-free options, the patio is smoker-friendly, and all ages are welcome until 10 p.m.

Carrie Wenninger lives on 29th Avenue in Concordia. She is a freelance writer, a mom, a world traveler and a small business marketing consultant. Contact her at WurdGurl@gmail.com.

By Karen Wells | CNA Media Team

Does making a sandwich give a nod to cross-cultural sensitivity? What’s the link between bread, meat and cultural awareness?

At EQC Home Care Agency, meal preparation and cultural awareness can connect 14 languages. Sandwich making can be a gateway to supporting a client’s needs.

EQC “Essential Quality Care” Home Care opened its doors in 2016. Owners strive to provide in-home care services tailored to meet the cultural and care needs of clients. The 85 employees represent communities from Eastern nations, West Africa, Europe and North America.

Cultural diversity is a driving principle behind the home care service. The emphasis on culturally-relevant and appropriate home care sets EQC apart from other in-home care services.

If language is a barrier, offering a sandwich may open a connection. You may know what a sandwich is, but a sandwich might mean something different to people from different cultures.

The concept of “sandwich” – a vehicle to gather or scoop food, sauce, veggies, cheese or cooked meat to guide to your mouth – dates back several centuries. This method of eating was found throughout the ancient world, Asia, Africa and North America.

It’s known by a variety of names, i.e., torta, korech, shawarma or panini. Eastern and African communities refer to it as simply bread and meat. For example, “khabaz lahm” in Arabic, “paanoo mogyanam” in the Ghana language of Akan or “banh mi thit” in Vietnamese.

Sandwich was the “fast food” of 18th century European taverns. By the 19th century it had spread across the Atlantic, landing in the Eastern Seaboard. Iconic sandwiches such as the lobster roll, beef pastrami and the hoagie all originated there.

Fast forward to the 20th century’s Great Depression era with New Orleans’ “po’boy,” school lunch staple “sloppy joe” and the Nebraska “Reuben” all hit the American gastronomical palate.

EQC Home care professionals are paired one-on-one with clients to foster a meaningful and holistic approach to caregiving. More than 40% of the client/caregiver pairings are long-term contracts, lasting more than 24 months and counting.

This kind of track record confirms the success of the diversity-driven business model. The tenets of relationship, trust and cultural awareness are sandwiched between professionalism and crosscultural sensitivity creating a rewarding experience for the clients and caregiving professionals.

EQC Home Care Agency has mastered the art of the “sandwich” on many levels. Find it at 5128 N.E. 42nd Ave. or call 503.7538551.

Sandwich, anyone? Thanks for asking.

Editor’s note: Karen consulted several sources for this piece and shares them with you on Facebook.com/groups/ConcordiaPDX. Do you have a crosscultural question for her? Send it to CNewsEditor@ConcordiaPDX.org.

Karen Wells is a semi-retired adult and early childhood educator. She serves on the planning committee of Womxn’s March and Rally for Action in Portland, WomxnsMarchPDX.com

By Tamara Anne Fowler | CNA Media Team

Travel down a whimsical dirt path surrounded by lush greenery and you will arrive at Melville books, a charming new addition to Alberta Street.

Mitchell Melville is the owner, and he has never owned a bookstore before; however, “I have been scouting books for about 10 years and selling online as well,” he said.

After making the decision to open a bookstore, Mitchell began attending as many library, estate and garage sales as possible to build a collection. He still goes out and buys at least four days a week before opening the shop. Open hours are noon to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

The store boasts about 4,000 titles in stock, all used. There are roughly 3,500 books inside and another 400-500 outside on carts.

Mitchell received the keys June 1 and the doors opened for a few hours July 21. Melville Books’ first official full day was July 24.

Although he can’t possibly choose what his absolute favorite books are, “‘White Teeth’ by Zadie Smith is one of my all time favorite novels. I try to read a little bit of everything but fiction and science fiction are my favorites.

“I loved the ‘Remembrance of Earth’s Past’ trilogy by Cixin Liu and the ‘Broken Earth’ trilogy by N.K. Jemisin,” Mitchell reported, noting both series are science fiction.

“I love reading science and math nonfiction, but also do some history and biography on occasion.”

He’s currently reading four books: “Little, Big” by John Crowley, “Evicted” by Matthew Desmond, “The Word for World is Forest” by Ursula K. LeGuin and “The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco.

He and partner Isabel live in northwest Portland, and they are hoping to move to the eastside within five or six months. Their goal is to be somewhere close to the shop.

Isabel is originally from New York City and doesn’t have a driver’s license. “She never needed one,” Mitchell pointed out. “So we are looking for an area within walking distance of a good grocery store and with good public transit accessibility.”

Currently, Mitchell rides his bike to the store, which takes about 30 minutes. “In September, I started making an effort to ride here at least once a week, and I hope to be commuting via bike nearly every day before too long.

But the ride isn’t without challenges. “It’s hard when I have to schlep a bunch of books around on the bike.”

Tamara Anne Fowler is Edit Kitten, a writer with 20-plus years of experience offering a sof ter, gentler approach to editing and coaching. Her personal editors — Armani, Max Factor and Spicey’D — are also her cats. Visit her at EditKitten.com or contact her at Tamara@EditKitten.com.

By Carrie Wenninger | CNA Media Team

Chelsea Llewellyn-Swanda is unzipping her parka-style jacket on a chilly October morning, about to sit down for a cup of coffee in the Kennedy School cafe, when a woman oohs adoringly over the bluetinged faux fur lining the hood.

Chelsea’s face brightens. “Thank you!” It’s a fitting exchange. Chelsea owns Give & Take Resale in Kenton and will open sister store Take It or Leave It, at 5012 N.E. 42nd Ave., in November.

She began her consignment career at Sweet Pea’s in Sellwood, then learned the ropes from the “Godmother of Consignment” herself, Marcee Meijer, at Village Merchants.

Realizing she’d found her passion, the next obvious step was to open a place of her own.

Having opened in 2012, Give & Take is a much-loved and eclectic mix of trinkets, clothing, home goods, kitchenwares, toys, games and kitsch. Take It or Leave It will riff on the same successful formula.

While it was not necessarily her plan to open a second shop, Concordia resident Chelsea was looking to keep her shop manager and stylist topped up with work. Expanding made sense, as they had experienced a profitable year.

“The timing looked right, so we moved on it,” she said.

Through coverage in Concordia News, she became aware of Michael DeMarco and Our 42nd Avenue, and she reached out.

“They’ve been so kind and have really helped us build connections. It’s been very much a hand-holding experience, and we’ve been so supported. I’m grateful.

“We also received funds from an anonymous donor through Our 42nd Avenue, which helped with the transition from rough space to finished store.”

Having a husband in the construction business has helped tremendously, too, and David Swanda of Greylock Construction has spent evenings and weekends readying the space.

With a penchant for baskets, crockery and quirky stuff, Chelsea said she also enjoys bringing a sense of humor to her offerings. “I do kind of live for the oddities,” she laughed.

She recalled a few of those – a taxidermy squirrel, an anatomical teeth model for dental students and a record by Billy Joel’s heavy metal band, Attila, circa 1970.

“Consignment is a community business. It’s a place to find new treasures and a way to keep useful things out of the landfill. It’s also good, affordable fun,” Chelsea pointed out.

“And, at the end of the day, I am proud to be able to make a living from recycling.”

Find her at the new storefront or online at TakeItOrLeaveItPDX.com.

Carrie Wenninger lives on 29th Avenue in Concordia. She is a freelance writer, a mom, a world traveler and a small business marketing consultant. Contact her at WurdGurl@gmail.com.

By Garlynn Woodsong | Video Game Enthusiast

It’s no coincidence the acronym for Retro Game Bar is RGB. It describes the red, green and blue connection cables between the collection of vintage gaming consoles and their monitors.

Owners Jason and Shira Yovu opened the bar in May at 6720 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Since then gamers have flocked there to enjoy the collection of 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s cartridges and discs that play on 19 consoles.

“We had to buy more consoles, monitors and equipment to open RGB, and also more games for systems like the Dream Cast that didn’t feature prominently in my personal collection,” Jason explained.

Although the form of entertainment at RGB is relatively rare, he’s no newcomer to food service. This is the fourth establishment in which he’s been involved with startup. One was in Maine, where Jason and Shira met almost 10 years ago.

RGB features the games Jason has collected for more than 15 years. “I wanted the games in my collection to be played, not sitting around collecting dust, to have these games be accessible to everyone,” he said.

During the summer, RGB sponsored special weekend hours for minors. “As of mid-October, our all-ages program is on hiatus,” Shira said. “But we hope to redesign it with more options and bring it back by early 2020.”

One of the pleasures for RGB visitors is the opportunity to play on classic systems like the Turbo Graphics 16 from the late 1980s – far less common than its contemporary, the original SEGA Genesis and Super Nintendo systems – as well as a few machines such as a Neo-Geo that were previously coinoperated.

RGB features all original hardware and games, no emulators or replicators. It gives the authentic feel, like a record shop, of using the actual original media. RGB signals are the preferred output from the consoles to the monitors, of course, along with analogue outputs.

“We had to modify some consoles slightly,” Jason pointed out. “That allows them to send the RGB signals for their original full resolution to be displayed on monitors that are much higher resolution than the TVs most people originally played the consoles on.”

RGB serves fare as nostalgic as its games, including themed cocktails and a variety of hot dogs.

Garlynn Woodsong lives on 29th Avenue, serves on the CNA board and is an avid bicyclist. He also is a dad who is passionate about the city his son will inherit. He is the planning + development partner with Cascadia Partners LLC, a local urban planning firm. Contact him at LandUse@ConcordiaPDX.org.