OEN NewsThe James Beard Public Market – A New Stomping Ground for Oregon Food & Beverage Entrepreneurs
90 Oregon food & beverage entrepreneurs will soon have a collective stomping ground in downtown Portland. Will you be one of them?
Portland’s reputation as an exceptional food town is thanks in large part to the culinary community’s ability to draw on the bounty of Oregon’s lands and waters. The state boasts countless farms, vineyards, breweries, farmers’ markets and restaurants, but one key element has been missing for decades: a flagship public market to showcase the best of Oregon in one location —James Beard Public Market Foundation
The James Beard Public Market will fill that void. The Market, scheduled to break ground in 2016, will be located at the west end of the Morrison Bridge. It will provide space for more than 90 Oregon food and beverage entrepreneurs to sell their products at permanent indoor stalls and outdoor day tables. Additionally, the Market will host a full-service restaurant, teaching kitchen, an event space.
What makes the James Beard Public Market unique? The market will be:
- “Super-sustainable.” It will include solar panels and green roofing to maximize energy efficiency. The Market will partner with social service organizations to make use of leftovers to reduce waste.
- Community focused. The Market will include a mezzanine level dedicated to community outreach and educational programming.
- Diverse offerings. Both in terms of variety and cost, the Market will provide a diversity of products. It is a market for everyone.
ECONorthwest, a sponsor of OEN’s July PubTalk, teamed with the James Beard Public Market Foundation to bring this project to fruition. It has worked to identify funding resources, calculate economic and fiscal impacts, and develop a comprehensive business plan.
Look for members of ECONorthwest and the James Beard Public Market Foundation at the July 9 PubTalk.
About ECONorthwest
ECONorthwest specializes in economics, finance, and planning. We work with entrepreneurs and established businesses to identify and realize opportunities for success and growth. Our team specializes in market analyses, creative financing strategies and public private partnerships, and business plans. We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client.
About The Historic Portland Public Market Foundation
The Historic Portland Public Market Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, grew out of a task force that started meeting in 2000, made up of a diverse group of Oregonians committed to creating a public market to showcase the state’s bounty and honor Oregon native James Beard. The foundation has worked tirelessly for more than a decade to bring its vision to life.
