According to an article from the Portland Business Journal, Chef Aaron Adams will close Fermenter to make way for a new concept at 1403 SE Belmont St.
A representative of the new concept was not immediately available for commentary upon What Now Portland’s request.
According to the article, “Vegan restaurant Fermenter is closing at the end of March, but, by April 12, chef-owner Aaron Adams intends to have a new plant-based concept in its place.”
“Adams isn’t discussing details of the new project, but he said it is rooted in his desire to do right by employees, stay true to his culinary curiosity, and address the changes he sees in the Portland restaurant industry.”
“Testing out a new concept isn’t new for Adams. Last year, he opened a concept called Workshop that has evolved into the restaurant Astera, a farmed and foraged vegan-tasting menu. In addition to ensuring the new concept is good for his workers and his creativity, his other guiding principle is to make food that is nutritious and craveable.”
“The Fermenter brand isn’t going away. Adams has given 10% ownership to a partner who will carry on selling ferment products directly to consumers and building out sales to small grocery and co-op retailers. The team also hopes to restart classes and workshops as well.”
“There are 18 months left on his lease for the space, so Adams saw this as an opportunity to try something new. He has the staff, equipment, and space so he isn’t launching a new restaurant from zero. If it works, it works, and if it doesn’t, he shuts it down, which is what would have happened at the end of the lease, he said.”
