According to an article from the Portland Business Journal, L’Echelle aims to debut a full-service spot at 4537 SE Division Street.
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“The goal is to open the full restaurant in the former Woodsman Tavern space on the same block as the current pop-up by Spring 2025. To fund it, Dirks has opened an equity funding round of up to $1 million, with a threshold to participate of $5,000.”
“Portland restaurateur Luke Dirks is taking an alternative route to raise funds for his Southeast restaurant L’Échelle. But instead of using a new fintech platform or crowdfunding site, he is taking a more personal approach.”
“Investors will take an ownership stake in L’Échelle and receive a membership, which includes perks such as advance reservations, VIP access to special events, and an unlisted maître d’ phone number to snag last-minute seats. Plans call member-only nights every other month featuring new menu and cocktail options and the opportunity to provide feedback.”
According to an article from the Portland Eater, L’Echelle is currently a pop-up meant to honor Chef Naomi Pomeroy’s memory. “Embodying the spirit of Pomeroy’s early Portland pop-up projects, including the dinner series Family Supper that she ran with her then-partner Michael Hebb, L’Échelle will first operate as an experimental pop-up — a casual no-reservations bistro open Thursday through Saturday — before transitioning into a full-service restaurant early next year, according to Pomeroy’s longtime friend and business partner Luke Dirks.”
“The pop-up version of L’Echelle will serve lighter versions of French bistro food using locally sourced ingredients and produce. The nightly offerings will be written on a chalkboard to allow the team to experiment and change dishes as they go along.”
“The name, L’Échelle, was chosen by Pomeroy before her passing. Translating to “the ladder” in French, it’s inspired by the Prince song of the same name. At first, Dirks wasn’t sure if they would use the name for the pop-up, or just hold onto it for the restaurant, but he felt like the name was too perfect to pass up the chance.”