Earlier this month, people raised concerns about boarded-up windows at Ya Hala‘s 8005 SE Stark Street. However, the wood coverings were part of an effort to replace the single-pane glass with energy-efficient glazing at the neighborhood restaurant. The grant-supported window work is part of a broader investment by the multi-location business, including expanding Ya Hala-branded grab-and-go products available post-security at Portland International Airport (PDX) in the family business’s own Barbur Foods store, and at two other reseller locations.
Commercial wIndow breakage has plagued some Portland business districts, and Montavilla’s historic downtown on Stark Street was no exception. So when Ya Hala had boarded up windows, some observers assumed it was due to vandalism. But in this case, the boards were part of planned upgrades to the building’s older storefront. “At Ya Hala, we’re using the grant to upgrade our windows, HVAC, and refrigeration systems,” explained Pascal Attar with Ya Hala.
These upgrades offer environmental benefits by reducing energy use and should lower operating costs. However, it is not always easy to budget for these behind-the-scenes expenditures that do not directly impact customer experiences or restaurant performance. That is why Attar values the additional funding they received. “Prosper Portland’s BEE (Building Energy Efficiency) grant has been a great opportunity for small business and property owners because it helps make meaningful energy-efficiency improvements more accessible,” remarked Attar. “These are major investments for a small business, and the program has allowed us to improve the building in ways that should make it more efficient and functional for years to come. I would absolutely encourage other local business and property owners to look into the program.”
In March 2026, the company added another location in the Portland International Airport’s Concourse E under the Barbur Foods brand. It joins two other stores, East Bank Market in Concourse C and Washington Park in Concourse D, offering packaged food items created by Chef and family matriarch Mirna Attar. “Our Ya Hala grab-and-go program is an extension of the prepared foods we already produce for our grocery stores,” explained Pascal Attar. “We make the products fresh and deliver to the airport three days a week. The assortment includes hummus and pita, Mediterranean wraps, salads, mezza packs, sandwiches, and other ready-to-eat items designed for travelers.”
Attar said Barbur Foods was created with guidance from the Port of Portland to create a store that feels unique, with snacks and beverage products from local vendors. “We wanted it to feel like a small version of the Barbur World Foods shopping experience rather than a traditional airport convenience store,” remarked Attar. The store also offers post-security visitors curated selections of products including international and local chocolates, snacks, specialty grocery items, and convenient foods that store managers feel travel well.
Visitors to Ya Hala on SE Stark now have a clear view out of energy-efficient storefront windows set into the 100-year-old building that houses the restaurant and other neighborhood shops. People heading out from PDX will also have a familiar menu to select from when grabbing food for a flight, taking a Portland staple with them.
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