Portland International Airport recently announced the names of the 20 food and retail businesses set to open in its new main terminal.
When the newly remodeled main terminal is complete, 100 percent of the new food and retail shops will represent Oregon brands, “making PDX even more local and neighborhood-y than it is today,” the Airport said via a press release.
“PDX has always been a quirky, fun place, and Portlanders feel like it’s one of our assets,” Kurt Huffman, founder of Loyal Legion, said in the release. “On a personal level, it makes me feel very proud to be a part of it. And I hope our restaurants will become part of people’s traditions when they come to our airport.”
Half of the 20 food and retail businesses involve woman or minority ownership, and all are local brands. Thirteen of these brands are new to PDX; the remaining seven are beloved PDX businesses that have confirmed their new permanent airport location.
“We’re always aiming to make PDX even more of a reflection of the neighborhoods people love here in Oregon,” Kaitlin Hunter, Senior Manager of Concessions at the Port of Portland, said. “These 20 new shops bring even more of the region’s unrivaled food and shopping scene to our airport – and we’re supporting more local business owners who are committed to making a positive impact in our region.”
Travelers and pre-security visitors will have plenty of options, with five shops located pre-security, and an additional 16 shops located post-security. Dining options range from grab-and-go to house-made pasta and wood-fired pizza made from a 70-year-old sourdough starter, and from established coffee and tea shops to an Oregon-focused beer hall and speakeasy. And with several new, local shopping options, travelers will be able to bring a piece of Portland with them on their journey.
Beginning in May 2024, you’ll be able to visit these 13 new shops, cafes, and restaurants at PDX:
- Freeland Spirits – Sip on farm-to-still gins, whiskies and cocktails made by Portland’s women-owned, women-run distillery.
- Grassa – Who makes their own pasta at the airport? Rick Gencarelli’s cooks, that’s who. (They’ll cook every dish to order, too.)
- Hello From Portland – Shop for all your friends and relatives at this Portland-themed gift shop, which showcases local BIPOC, women and LGBTQ+ makers.
- KURE Superfoods – Fill your tank with premium fuel in the form of smoothies and grain bowls.
- Lola’s Café – Search out breakfast and nutritionist-approved (literally) deli meals at this branch of Lake Oswego’s beloved cafe.
- Loyal Legion – Chill out before your flight in this combination beer hall, speakeasy, TV viewing room, and kids’ play area—basically, an all-ages romper room.
- Oven and Shaker – That smoke you’re smelling? It’s a good sign you’re near the wood-fired oven where chef Cathy Whims’ pizzas are baking away.
- Paper Epiphanies – Catch up on your correspondence at this feminist card store, which will sell hand-made cards designed by women, plus notebooks, zines, and art from local artists.
- Pilot House Distilling – Taste the Oregon coast at Astoria’s best-known distillery, which will serve up cocktails and local seafood in its PDX restaurant and bar.
- Portland Gear – Show the world your Portland pride—and every June, your Portland Pride—by picking up locally printed T-shirts, caps and backpacks.
- Sizzle Pie – Whether you’re an omnivore, vegetarian or vegan, some travel days, you’re craving a hot, crisp-edged slice of pizza.
- Steven Smith Teamaker – Clear your head and settle the senses with a tea tasting, then grab gifts for the tea-lovers at your destination.
- Straightaway Cocktails – At this tasting room and retail shop, you’ll find Portland’s craft cocktail movement squeezed into every can. Sip drinks on site or bring a four-pack with you.
Beloved PDX businesses with confirmed permanent locations:
- Blue Star – When Blue Star re-opens at PDX, it’s adding a twist: donuts made right there. Grab a donut or a half-dozen.
- Capers Bistro – Just as you have for more than 20 years, relax at Capers’ wine bar, or grab sandwiches and snacks to eat on your flight.
- Columbia Sportswear – Portland’s best-known outfitter has kept Oregonians dry and warm since 1938.
- The Country Cat – The Country Cat is changing shape—becoming a deli and market—but Adam and Jackie Sappington are still bringing their culinary talents to PDX.
- Pendleton – Sure, the Pendleton wool shirt you inherited from your grandpa still looks great, so why not get one your granddaughter will cherish?
- Portland Coffee Roasters (two locations) – The essential espresso drinks, pastries, and sandwiches: With Portland in this cafe’s name, you can trust the quality.
- Stumptown Coffee – Impressing Portlanders with single-origin coffees, primo pastries, and that cool squiggle on your latte foam since 1999.
“We’re being featured among the best brands in Oregon,” Jill Kuehler, owner of Freeland Spirits, said. “Having a tasting room at PDX is going to be a game-changer for us. It’s a cool way to think about the airport – it was already the best, but now it’s also a jumping-off point to grow our brand, tell our story, and build a national audience.”
The new-to-PDX brands were selected as part of a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process in late 2022. The Port selected brands that demonstrate a commitment to having a positive impact on their communities, being quality employers, and practicing environmental sustainability, alongside strong business concepts and designs. This RFP process reflects significant changes by the Port of Portland to reduce barriers to entry and ensure greater participation from local companies.
“We’re honored that PDX wants to shine a light on woman-owned businesses like ours and give us a platform,” Victoria Venturi, Founder and Creative Director of Paper Epiphanies, said. “We keep asking ourselves: Is this really going to happen? Our team is beaming and so emotional.”
Twelve of the 20 new food and retail businesses are slated to open beginning May 2024. The remaining are set to open by December 2025.
