A Vegan Food Court Is Set to Open in Portland

Permanent all-vegan food court Shady Pines Vegan Food Court will soon debut in Portland, OR. Shady Pines brings together a variety of vegan food carts in one space along with outdoor picnic tables and an indoor seating area. The food court recently hosted a preview pop-up featuring five vegan eateries, serving Dirty Lettuce’s Cajun-Creole dishes, Safframen’s Persian-inspired noodle soups, Ramblin Rose’s botanical soft-serve ice cream, Avocada Mama’s mac and cheese, Fatsquatch PDX’s vegan comfort food, and Sushi Love’s famous sushi. Founded by Fatsquatch co-owner Lukkah Churchill, Christine Neary, and Ashley and Lindsey Butler, Shady Pines will continue to host weekly pop-ups in the same space while the vendors navigate the City of Portland’s developmental review process for new businesses. Churchill told VegNews that he created the space because he was tired of dealing with dubious food cart pod managers and ever-imminent property closures. “Many of Portland’s pods have been sold to developers and turned into condos and mixed-use buildings, leaving cart owners scrambling to find a new home,” Churchill told VegNews. “It’s not a good situation for a business owner to be in.” Once the business is permitted, the food court will become the permanent home of those six eateries and will also offer a selection of beer, wine, and cider. “We’re really excited to work with other like-minded vegan entrepreneurs who see the future through food—vegan food,” Churchill said. “We’ve formed a community with the other cart owners and have been working together to turn Shady Pines into a place for everyone to come enjoy good food and good company.” Starting in March, Shady Pines will also be home to a Vegan Night Market, which will bring together other vegan businesses and crafters.