Oregon Business Q4 2025

56 BRAND STORY PRODUCED BY THE OREGON BUSINESS MARKETING DEPARTMENT BY NATALIA HURT In post-pandemic Portland, the retreat of downtown’s commercial occupants blew open an unprecedented opportunity for a catalytic project. The James Beard Public Market has worked for decades to deliver a public market with the power to revitalize Portland’s city center, support Oregon’s food producers and establish a resilient, sustainable food supply chain. Now, with a property purchased and vendors signed, that dream is about to become a reality. The James Beard Public Market is expected to launch in the fall of 2026 with 40 vendors, a full-sized restaurant and a rooftop event space. After years of stories about national chains leaving the city, and a slew of vacant storefronts left behind, Oregon’s own entrepreneurs have emerged to write a new story. “We launched our vendor application process in January, and more than 100 vendors were interested,” recalls Jessica Elkan, Executive Director, James Beard Public Market. “We’re so excited for the optimism people have for our community.” Public markets are nothing new, nor is their transformative power, boasting a strong track record of spurring entrepreneurship across the US. Pike Place Market, for example, has become the soul of Seattle, expanding to offer senior housing, childcare and a food bank. The James Beard Public Market is an economic opportunity that bridges urban and rural communities. Revitalization, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship: The Power of a Public Market BCV ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==