Tag: Montavilla Town

Food and Drink

Montavilla Farmers Market’s 20 Years in Portland
Meg Cotner Avatar

Article originally published in Bridgetown Bites by

Meg Cotner

This is a big year for the Montavilla Farmers Market: They are entering their 20th year of operating one of the most beloved farmers markets on the east side of Portland. I sat down with Lisa Hebert one morning at Bipartisan Cafe to chat about the market and get a feel for the success of these past 20 years.

Montavilla Farmers Market Founders

I was curious to know more about the people who started the Montavilla Farmers Market. Turns out it was a group of volunteers who worked with the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) to found the market. Their website describes them as “a grassroots collection of neighbors who were inspired by visions of a fresh, local, food market in a shared community space within the growing SE Stark Street business district.”

Their first market was Sunday, July 22nd, 2007. “The first year it was run just by volunteers,” Lisa confirmed. “And then the next year they were able to pay their market manager a small stipend.”

It made me think of the Rocky Butte Farmers Market, which also was founded by volunteers and has progressed to a place where the market manager has been designated a paid position.

Close-up of fresh purple cauliflower, surrounded by green leaves, on a textured surface.
Purple cauliflower sampled to Kids POP Club October 2025 (Jacob Loeb)

Lisa Hebert, Executive Director of the Montavilla Farmers Market

Lisa is the market’s executive director, where she tackles much of the behind-the-scenes work—things like budgeting, financials, strategy, overseeing a handful of paid staff, marketing, and fundraising. She also works with their board—Montavilla Farmers Market is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit.

She has lived in Montavilla since 2020, and worked for the Portland Farmers Market starting in 2016 before she moved to the neighborhood. But growing up she had a very conventional relationship with food. Then, she went to college.

Lisa’s Early Experience With Farmers Markets

“When I went to college, I went to UC Santa Cruz,” she said. “And I got involved with the sustainability center—I actually taught a gardening class on campus. And then I started working at the seed library, and with the food system working group to actually create a pop-up farmers market on campus.”

She added, “It was so far away from the actual town of Santa Cruz. So we’d go to the farmer’s market, buy things, and bring it to campus and sell it, just at price for folks.”

She ended up interning at the farmer’s market in Santa Cruz during her senior year. And then that summer, they needed a market manager, so they hired her for that just for the summer, and she loved it.

“And then I moved to Portland and I started working at a preschool and I was a cook there, ” she continued. “So I cooked for preschool for a little bit, and then the Portland Farmer’s Market was hiring and they hired me as a market manager there.”

A variety of baked goods displayed on wooden trays, featuring croissants, muffins, and cookies.
Breads. Courtesy Montavilla Farmers Market.

Why a Market in Montavilla? Food Access.

So why was it important to have a farmers market in Montavilla? “From looking at [the market’s] documents and records, I think it was really important for having that food access in the neighborhood,” explained Lisa.

She continued, “A lot of focus early on in the market’s career was on sustainability and trying to create as sustainable a market as possible—and, again, an accessible market in the way of food access. The market has pretty much always accepted EBT benefits and in 2010, I believe, the market would fundraise to match the EBT benefits on their own. Currently, we are able to match EBT benefits through Farmers Market Fund, which is an Oregon-wide organization, giving markets money for that.”

She added, “But the original founders of the market worked really hard to do that on their before that money was available.”

The Current Location of the Montavilla Farmers Market

The current location of the Montavilla Farmers Market has been their home since the start. On that property there used to be another building belonging to Beets Auto Body (you may remember us mentioning them in our piece on Montavilla Brew Works 10th anniversary last year). That building was razed in 2020 after the property was sold in 2019.

Lisa also said that one point, it was an artist co-op; the Montavilla News article linked above also referenced the artists—and food carts. But 2020 was the start of COVID and having that extra space in the lot was helpful for pandemic social distancing needs.

“We were able to expand during 2020, which was great timing because that’s when we had to have all the social distancing,” she explained. “We all needed to limit the amount of people that came into the market for a long time based off of ourselves. So if we were still in the smaller area, it would have been much more challenging.”

A bustling outdoor market scene featuring various white tents, a red tent, and a crowd of people engaging in activities like shopping and socializing.
Montavilla Farmers Market May 2016 (Jacob Loeb)

A Potential Move?

There has been discussion online about the potential need for the Montavilla Farmers Market to move. Please note: They are not moving right now, and nobody has asked them to move. But honestly, nobody knows what the future holds right now.

But they did put out a survey on this topic (location) for people to take and they are currently reviewing the responses and gauging the community’s care for and interest in the market.

The OG Vendors

I was curious to know if there are still vendors today that were there from the beginning. “Yes! C. Chang Family Farm, which grows fresh flowers,” Lisa said. “They’ve been there since the very first market. I believe that Baird Family Farm has been there since 2007. Kiykawa Family Orchard has also been there since the beginning. 

She added, “Oh, and then Leopold Farms!”

2026 Montavilla Farmers Market Vendors

These are new vendors this year:

  • Alleamin African Kitchen (Somali food).
  • Crooked Carrot Farm (vegetable farm).
  • Floraboros (wholesale native nursery).
  • Gompers Distillery (small-batch distillery).
  • Mariquita Medicinals (herb and flower farm and community-focused apothecary).
  • Merrow (chili crisp).
  • Money Bowl (Southwestern Chinese food).
  • Moonflower Bakery (gluten-free baked goods).
  • Rhythm Seed Farm (grows locally adapted seeds).
  • Snack Wine (low-ABV wine spritzers).
  • Three Goats Farm (fermented hot sauces and pickles).
  • Tortuga Gordo (fermented hot sauces).
  • Vorfreude Dairy Beef (premium beef cuts and high-quality tallow products).
  • Wafeltje Stroopwafels (Dutch stroopwafels).
  • Wild Roots Spirits (real fruit-infused vodka and gin).

This Market Fills a Need

There are a lot of farmers markets in Portland—and that is one thing that makes Portland a great city. But what is it that makes the Montavilla Farmers Market special among them? “I think Montavilla is special for a couple of reasons,” explained Lisa. “One of my favorite reasons is that I believe a lot of the participants at our market tend to be smaller farms and we tend to get the owner of the farm at the market.”

“I think that’s special, being able to actually be face-to-face with the person who’s hands are in the dirt growing the food.”

“I also think that we’re not a tourist market,” Lisa continued. “We don’t have a lot of tourism at our market, specifically.” This is in comparison to the PSU Farmer’s market, which I would call a destination market. Hollywood is, too, to some extent, attracting people who are visiting out of town. Both of these destination markets are amazing, no cap.

“Also, I think it’s kind of special that we see the same people every week,” added Lisa. She also said that they’ve done surveys where they ask where folks are coming from to the market. Additionally, a recent survey revealed that 53% of people walked to the market.

They also aim to have a set of vendors that offer much of what a person might need for their weekly grocery shopping. “It’s a medium large market, so ideally, someone can go and do most of their grocery shopping there,” said Lisa. “We try to curate the market to have a lot of staples for people. Obviously, we’ll never be a fully one-stop shop because we only have local products. But the idea is for someone to come and be able to do a majority of their grocery shopping at the market and pick up staples there.”

A colorful display of fresh vegetables including lettuce, leafy greens, and peppers at a farmers' market.
Produce from Yolkan Farms. (Jacob Loeb)

A Significant Market for Vendors

Although Lisa has only been at the market for the last six years, she has enjoyed looking back at the market’s documents and history. “It’s been really exciting to watch the market grow!” she exclaimed.

She continued, “The amount of vendors that we have has gone from 17 on the opening day to now, throughout the year, we have almost 100. And on a typical summer market, we have 60 at any given time, which is just a huge leap.”

“The fact that the neighborhood is able to support all of those vendors is really amazing. And we hear from vendors that say Montavilla is where they’re able to sustain their business—it’s a really important market for them. For some of them, it’s their best market that they’re able to make their most amount of profit from.”

“This market is incredibly important—not only for the community, but those vendors who really rely on the support from our shoppers and from our organization.”

Yearly Anticipation

I wondered if Lisa looked forward to anything in particular at the market each time spring comes along. “I try to shop around to a lot of different vendors, especially farmers,” she explained. “I try to buy a lot of vegetables at the market … because then I eat a lot of vegetables. And I like to connect with the farms that sell products that no one else does.”

I told Lisa that my favorite thing in the spring at farmers markets is strawberries. So what is hers?

“Snap peas to me is a big—like, spring is here! Food is coming!”

She continued, “We’re past the hunger-gap era, where all of the root vegetables are purchased, and then all of the other vegetables with green and greens are this big. And so snap peas to me is like, ‘OK, we’ve made it. We’re now going to see like the abundance of spring that will that come.”

“And garlic scapes are delicious. this kind of year, too,” she added.

The Next 20 Years for the Montavilla Farmers Market

Lisa believes the demand and the interest is here for farmers market in the long term. “I think farmers markets are hugely important to local agriculture and farmers,” she said. “I’ve had a farmer tell me who does wholesale, ‘We would not be here if it wasn’t for the money that we’re able to get at farmers markets because it’s that direct-to-consumer purchase.’”

Direct-to-consumer means no middleman. “I think the farmers need farmers markets, and people crave that seasonal food. And yes, I think we’ll be here because I think farmers markets just make sense.”

Two women smiling at a farmers market, one wearing a blueberry costume and the other in a blue t-shirt, surrounded by colorful market tents.
Hello, blueberry and Market Manager. Courtesy Montavilla Farmers Market.

20th Anniversary Events

So what is the market and its staff looking forward to as far as celebrating and commemorating this 20 years? They have some activities planned for Sunday, May 3.

“We got a grant from the Portland Events and Film office to do a couple of activities. We are having a ‘Montavilla Through the Seasons’ timeline display. We’re going to have different photos and documents of the market throughout the years for people to look back on.” 

They will also have a DIY button-making station, and they have a special t-shirt for the 20th season, which features the original logo of the Montavilla Farmers Market (it’s painted on the side of the barn). Market shoppers also have a chance to win one of 100 of these t-shirts on a spin-the-wheel configuration (no kids sizes).

“We will also be having a chef recipe demonstration booth,” explained Lisa. “Laura Bennett’s going to come and cook up a seasonal dish for people to taste.” Laura has a business called The Vegucation Station. She is also a longtime farmer in the Corvallis and Eugene area. She’s done a couple of chef demonstrations for them in the past.. 

A pile of fresh carrots in various colors, including orange and yellow, tied together with their green tops visible.
Produce. (Jacob Loeb)

Final Thoughts

“This neighborhood has been very supportive of the market through the years,” said Lisa. “It has been really amazing and has taken ownership of the market, which I think is really special. You can tell through the survey results that people really care about the market, really love the market, really want to see like the best for it.

“I was a little nervous that we’d get maybe some negative comments, but it was so positive! And so many people were saying, ‘Thank you for the work with this..’ There’s a lot of support. And in the past when we’ve done fundraising, we’ve always had a lot of support from the community. I think that’s really special.

“And as someone who also lives in their community, it really feels like Montavilla is kind of its own bubble a little bit. We’re almost at our own town. We have these amazing businesses—you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to!”

Many thanks to Lisa for chatting about the Montavilla Farmers Market. Every good wish to her, the market, and the Montavilla neighborhood for getting to 20 years! I hope you will have a chance to stop in soon.

Montavilla Farmers Market 20th Anniversary season
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
7700 SE Stark Street, Portland
Montavilla Farmers Market website | Instagram | Facebook

Meg Cotner Avatar

Article and photos originally published in Bridgetown Bites by

Meg Cotner

This article originally published in Bridgetown Bites on April 23rd, 2026. Montavilla News republished it with permission of the editor and author. All copyrights remain with the original publisher.

Meg Cotner lives in NE Portland and is the editor and publisher of the independent Portland food news website Bridgetown Bites. She is also an active editor and writer, and the author of “Food Lovers’ Guide to Queens” (2023, Globe Pequot Press)

Business Relocating

Where Will Montavilla Farmers Market Go?

Montavilla Farmers Market (MFM) is examining relocation options ahead of a land sale that could displace the nearly two-decade-old neighborhood icon. In October of 2024, the owners of the 0.84-acre lot at 7700 SE Stark Street informed the operators of the Sunday market that they were seeking a buyer for the combined lots. The market is allowed to use the space until the land changes ownership. The Commercial Mixed Use 2 property became publicly listed for sale a year later and currently has an asking price of $4,999,000. With a sale possible, the MFM leadership team is strategically looking for a new location and has created a user survey to guide the search team.

A vibrant outdoor market scene featuring several tents selling various goods, with people browsing and interacting. The setting is lively, with clear blue skies and trees in the background.

Montavilla’s farmers market opened in 2007 within a smaller portion of the current SE Stark Street lot, featuring 17 initial vendors. A private trust purchased the MFM property and adjoining Montavilla Animal Clinic veterinary building at 7714 SE Stark Street in April 2018. In June 2019, the trust purchased the Beets Auto Body building at 518 SE 76th Avenue. The new owners demolished the automotive repair structure in February 2020 and later added the Beets Auto Body gravel lot space to the MFM footprint.

In a social media post announcing the survey, the MFM assured visitors that they will operate on a normal schedule without a change in location as “no sale is imminent.” They continued to explain that the research to find a new location will take considerable effort and should not be done under a tight timeline. “We’re grateful for the past 19 years in our location, and want to plan carefully for what comes next. With a dedicated site search committee leading the process, vendor and community input is needed.”

A bustling farmers market with various vendor tents set up, selling goods. In the foreground, a bright yellow sign advertises the Montavilla Farmers Market, stating the hours and location.

A property sale could also displace the Portland Guitar Repair shop located on the eastern edge of the parcel in the only remaining building at the site. However, a new owner may not have immediate redevelopment plans and could extend leases. The site could host up to four stories for retail, offices, and housing. Any substantial redevelopment could take over a year to receive building permits. Beyond participating in the survey, MFM leaders ask people with connections to a large lot that satisfies their location requirements to email president@montavillamarket.org. An ideal site would fit a similar number of vendors, currently over 70, and be available on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jacob Loeb Avatar

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb
Community

City-Sponsored Sidewalk Cleaning Along Business Corridors

Cleanup crews from Central City Concern (CCC) began providing basic sidewalk cleaning services in Montavilla’s major business corridors in October. The Public Environment Management Office (PEMO), part of Portland Solutions, contracted with the employment opportunity program operator to improve conditions around neighborhood economic centers, aiming to create safer, more welcoming spaces. The rollout’s timing coincides with the critical holiday shopping season when small businesses depend on customers coming out to local storefronts and shopping within the community.

A cleanup crew member in a bright yellow jacket pushes a trash can along NE 82nd Avenue, with a large sign advertising 'FREE VACUUM AFTER WASH' in the background, indicating a car wash service.
CCC crew member Victor Leon collecting litter from NE 82nd Ave and Glisan St

In November alone, CCC Crew 3 removed 8,820 pounds of trash from City sidewalks in Montavilla and parts of East Portland. Cleanup crews work on a fixed schedule determined by need and resources, using trikes in areas closer to the city center and logoed trucks farther out in areas with larger volumes of trash. With this new program, contractors visit Portland’s busiest locations to clean up trash and biohazards from sidewalks on a weekly, bi-monthly, or quarterly cadence, depending on conditions in the area, and adjust their schedule based on demand. In the Montavilla area, workers will maintain SE Stark Street from 76th to 82nd Avenues, 82nd Avenue from SE Stark Street to NE Pacific Street, and NE Glisan Street from 81st to 84th Avenues. Crews will also maintain a well-used route to school along NE 82nd Avenue from NE Thompson Street to NE Klickitat Street.

A Central City Concern truck labeled 'Portland Solutions' parked with bags of trash, a broom, and other cleaning equipment visible in the back.
CCC and Portland Solutions logoed truck already half full of removed trash

In addition to CCC, PEMO contracts with Cultivate Initiatives in areas further east of 82nd Avenue. The citywide program focuses on spaces where people walk to school, work, shop, and enjoy neighborhood amenities. Cleaning crews sweep sidewalks, pick up litter, clean biohazards, and pressure wash outdoor surfaces when needed. The staff will also remove graffiti from city-owned street elements, including bike racks, utility meters, and trashcans. In addition to improving conditions on impacted streets, the funds support homeless-to-work employment programs that provide opportunities for people seeking pathways to stability and long-term employment.

A crew member from Central City Concern wearing a bright yellow hoodie and blue gloves is cleaning up trash along a sidewalk, using a tool to pick up litter.
CCC crew member Charlie Smelser collecting litter from NE 82nd Ave by Montavilla Park

CCC crew member Charlie Smelser explained that his group parks the truck at a central location within the assigned areas, then the three to four-person crew fans out with rolling trash cans to collect any improperly discarded items from public spaces. He noted that they also check the condition of city-owned trash cans to ensure people have functional options for disposing of trash.

PEMO’s expanded efforts built upon a 2024 collaboration in the Gateway Service District, with the City developing the concept and managing contracts. A three-year partnership between the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and TriMet funds the work in Gateway, with each partner contributing $100,000 a year for its initial duration. Primary funding for the augmented cleanup area, including Montavilla, comes from PEMO’s $1.7 million annual budget allocation by the Portland City Council.

A cleanup crew member wearing a bright yellow 'CLEAN START' hoodie pushes a trash bin on a sidewalk in an urban area, with a traffic light and street signs visible in the background, as a person stands nearby.
CCC crew member Charlie Smelser crossing NE 82nd Ave at NE Glisan St

Collecting litter is an endless cycle, but without regular cleanings, well-traveled locations show signs of neglect. This city service can help keep visible areas of Portland cleaner and more welcoming, while supporting small businesses that often lack time and funds to clean the public spaces. Funding for this expanded cleanup depends on Portland Solutions’ budget and support. However, its perceived success could encourage the adoption of a sidewalk cleaning program as a permanent City service, much as a Jade district trial program led to the 2020 expansion of public trash cans across Portland. People can expect to see cleanup crews in the City’s business districts performing basic sidewalk cleaning into 2026 as the program continues to develop.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Otter Wax, a neighborhood producer of small-batch specialty goods handcrafted in Portland. Using only natural ingredients, they make modern care products that are steeped in tradition. We thank them for their support.

Business Relocating, Construction

Sadie Vet Expanding into Former Union Rose Storefront

Sadie Veterinary Urgent Care at 8037 SE Stark Street will expand into the adjacent storefront that most recently hosted Union Rose before it relocated to the Plural Collective in Sellwood. Pending building permit approval, renovation work on the neighboring space will begin in the first half of 2026, with an anticipated completion in the summer. The frequently busy care center for cats and dogs will remain open during renovations, with minor disruptions as staff reorganize the facility to make better use of the significantly larger space.

Reception area of Sadie Veterinary Urgent Care featuring a modern design with a wooden desk and decorative plants.
Front desk and entrance to hallway that will extend into the new space

Sadie Veterinary co-owner Dr. Cindy Galbreath explained that this expansion was needed almost from the time the clinic opened in November 2022. “Honestly, we were busy from day one. We’ve had a consistent caseload over the last three years, serving about 25 to 30 patients per day between two doctors.” The team was already maxed out on reasonable operating hours, with little room to expand them for greater capacity during the times patients needed them most. As an urgent care facility, they do not schedule visits weeks in advance except for follow-up treatments. They are open every day of the week except Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with pet owners calling to schedule a visit for the day or have staff place them on a wait list.

Colorful abstract mural on a wall at Sadie Veterinary Urgent Care, featuring bold shapes and a leafy plant in the foreground.
Signature Sadie Veterinary mural by Alex Proba in waiting room

With a predictably full wait list, the three owners of Sadie Veterinary Urgent Care jumped at the chance to expand into the neighboring 1,400-square-foot space at 8029 SE Stark Street. They currently work within a 2,400-square-foot space that includes four exam rooms, the reception desk and waiting room, treatment area, onsite lab, x-ray room, short-stay kennel, and other administrative and staff-only spaces. The expansion will focus on adding exam rooms, doubling the available space for patient visits by building five rooms and a second shared hand-washing station. Towards the end of the renovation, they will have a small amount of demolition at the front of the building. “Our lobby is very small. Part of our expansion will be taking out exam room one and expanding our lobby so that we can have more people comfortably up here,” said Galbreath.

Exterior view of Sadie Veterinary Urgent Care with adjacent storefront, featuring signage and surrounding street details.
Image showing empty Union Rose storefront with adjacent Sadie Veterinary location on SE Stark St

People and animals will continue to use the current corner entrance, even though the expanded footprint includes another sidewalk-accessible doorway. Galbreath explained that a second entrance would require an additional reception desk and disrupt operational flow. “We’re going to snake this hallway around the back of the building, and we’ll have essentially a giant U hallway that will be accessible to clients,” explained Galbreath. “All of our exam rooms will be off that U-shaped hallway.” The central connector will need to curve past one of their two existing restrooms in the back, and the architectural design incorporates adding an existing restroom on the other side of the dividing wall for the expansion, giving them three total. The work will require moving the water heater, along with other significant alterations to the space. However, the renovation design will minimize impact to essential operations and shift the office flow around the now central treatment and surgical rooms. This approach will improve the working environment for the 20 to 25 staff who constantly need to shuffle animals and their owners throughout the facility for treatment.

Interior view of a veterinary clinic featuring a reception area with a countertop, computer stations, and examination rooms in the background.
Treatment room

The new leased space came with one extra vehicle stall in the lot behind the building, and expanded parking capacity for the animal urgent care to six spaces. When completed, they anticipate adding more doctors beyond the six veterinarians already employed to increase their daily capacity. Galbreath, along with her partners Dr. Jenica Wycoff and Dr. Malia Goodell, considered options to expand the business but has remained committed to the historic Montavilla downtown. “We really love being a part of Montavilla. We’re sad to see Union Rose go, but we really like this location and this building,” said Galbreath. “We feel really fortunate to have landed in this space originally.” She noted they could have opened a second location or relocated to a larger space, but felt expansion was the best option. “I think the location works really well for our clients. This is an accessible area, and we serve a lot of people in Montavilla as well. Additionally, we have good relationships with the primary care vets in this area, with a lot of referrals from the local veterinarians,” explained Galbreath.

Interior of Sadie Veterinary Urgent Care showing a medical workstation with a sink and storage cabinets, alongside a row of pet kennels.
Short stay kennel space

Construction timelines for the expansion are far from firm, but they anticipate six months for building permit approval and another two or three months for construction. That should put them at the back half of the warmer months, which is a critical time for their work. “Summer is our busiest time. Across the board in veterinary medicine, it tends to be,” said Galbreath. “I think in part because animals are more active, the weather is better, people are out and about with their pets, who are more susceptible to traumatic injuries.” She noted that people are also more observant of their animals during that time. “People are home with their pets more in the summer, and when people are home, looking at their pets, they’re more prone to discover issues.” However, if the building timelines take longer than hoped, Galbreath says they will appreciate its completion at any time. “We have other times of the year that are busy, and we generally tend to just stay pretty consistently busy throughout the year.”

Interior view of a veterinary exam room featuring a purple wall, a wooden cabinet with drawers, a countertop with medical supplies, and a black rolling stool.
One of the four existing exam rooms

Sadie Veterinary’s owners hope people will bear with them during construction. Galbreath explained they anticipate the improvements will ultimately provide a better care experience. “We’ll all feel better not feeling like we have to rush people out of exam rooms. I feel like we outgrew this space within our first few months of operation.” With more rooms, the care team can minimize juggling patients in and out of rooms, resulting in a lower-stress visit. Additionally, they can serve more pets quickly and say yes to urgent requests. “We all want to be able to say yes to these cases, to these sick animals,” said Galbreath. “Being able to tell people yes instead of putting them on a wait list. I think it’s gonna feel really good for everyone.”

Three framed photos of dogs displayed on a wall, showcasing their happy expressions.
Sadie Veterinary owners’ departed dogs with namesake in the center

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Update December 9, 2025: Added muralist name Alex Proba to photo

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Otter Wax, a neighborhood producer of small-batch specialty goods handcrafted in Portland. Using only natural ingredients, they make modern care products that are steeped in tradition. We thank them for their support.

Food and Drink, New Business

Bookstore Joins Hungry Heart Bakery

On November 13th, Endless Wonders Books opened a sales corner at Hungry Heart Bakery, 414 SE 80th Avenue. The new integrated business relationship between the distinct companies adds operating hours to the storefront while offering a selection of titles featuring marginalized communities or written by authors identifying as members of underrepresented groups.

Owners Zo Nicole and Mags Burke created Endless Wonders Books as a mobile and online bookstore before meeting Hungry Heart’s owner, Jax Hart, at a pride pop-up event at the Jupiter Hotel. That introduction eventually led to the book seller’s first store location after a string of positive interactions, bringing them to the neighborhood. “We did the street fair circuit this summer, using it as an opportunity to meet different neighborhoods. We had a really good time at the Montavilla Street Fair and knew pretty quickly that we were ready to think about something more long-term, rather than going to new places every weekend,” recalled Burke. “We did a three-day pop-up here in [Hungry Heart], and it was really fun and felt good. So we asked Jax if we could have a longer-term conversation.”

Interior of Endless Wonders Books store featuring a wall of colorful books and greeting cards, with a large wooden table and chairs in front, and a bright window view.

Nicole describes themselves as a lifelong reader who grew tired of a tech career and used a layoff as the catalyst to pursue a dream of opening a bookstore that would surface works that include often overlooked or inaccurately represented communities. “I grew up never really seeing myself necessarily represented in literature, and I know that’s true for a lot of other people. I also believe that being able to read stories of folks that are from different backgrounds as yours can help build empathy and understanding.” explained Nicole. They felt uplifting those stories “severely underrepresented across traditionally published books” was critically needed in this current point in America’s social trajectory. Burke added that they “hope that having a bookstore with this focus will give people avenues to drive towards action, not just reading books and expanding their perspectives but also letting that impact them to take action in some ways.”

Although the titles selected by the booksellers are purpose-driven, they created a general-interest bookstore that carries many genres and serves a wide age range of readers. They have picture books for preliterate customers alongside titles written for middle graders, young adults, and adult readers. Visitors will find books shelved in a traditional manner that honors the content ahead of the community. “We don’t categorize by identity. We categorize by genre,” explained Burke. “Within a genre, multiple identities are represented because we believe that integration is how we actually exist in the world. We don’t have a black southern American versus a Nigerian section versus an AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) section.” The store staff can help customers find works by or including specific identities, but that is not how they anticipate customers will browse the bookstore’s catalog.

Bookshelves filled with various titles organized by genre, including New Releases, Memoir, Young Adult, Romance, and Fantasy, in a cozy bookstore setting at Hungry Heart Bakery.

The bookstore’s path to brick-and-mortar has progressed quickly, and the owners feel that they will one day expand into a dedicated space. However, the embedded store within the Hungry Heart Bakery feels like an ideal location to meet readers outside the digital world, allowing people to connect with others while exploring written works. “One thing I love about growing up and going to indie bookstores is grabbing a book off the shelf, finding a comfortable chair, and reading the first chapter or picking out a couple of poems from a poetry collection,” said Nicole. “Just seeing if you’re vibing with it or not.” The partners also envision the store as a place to help people find books to gift to readers who are not seeing the subjects they want elsewhere. “It’s one of the most fun moments if someone comes in saying, ‘my 15-year-old is bored with reading this and starting to get interested in that, can you help me pick out a book?'” said Burke. They will have hundreds of titles available on the shelf and even more available via the online store. The offer local delivery in a six-mile radius centered on SE 58th Avenue and Division Street.

Exterior view of Hungry Heart Bakery, featuring an open sign and 'Endless Wonders' bookstore displayed in the window, showcasing the combined retail space.

Endless Wonders Books has overlapping hours with Hungry Heart Bakery: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. In the morning, the bakery staff can assist customers who are looking to buy a book, a gift card, or other merchandise the bookstore sells. Zo Nicole starts work mid-day, recommending titles to shoppers and covering Hungry Heart’s sales counter. “The Hungry Hearts staff will be able to ring people up for their bookstore purchases in addition to their coffee and pastries, burritos, whatever else they’re getting. And then I’m coming in by noon every day. I’ll be here to help folks with book recommendations, ringing them up for any cards or prints, and I’m also keeping [Hungry Heart’s] coffee and pastry service going into the evening,” said Nicole.

Interior of Endless Wonders Books showing a brightly lit bookshelf filled with colorful book covers, a wooden table with metal chairs, and decorative plants.

This dual-occupation of the SE 80th Avenue storefront off the Montavilla SE Stark main street adds four hours to the popular Hungry Heart Bakery while bringing a bookstore back to the area. The owners encourage readers to stop in and browse the titles, and they will gladly speak with customers about expanding the selection to meet the literary needs of visitors. The shop strives to showcase the works of small publishers, and visitors are likely to find titles and voices not well represented in other bookstores.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Greg Beddor – SEO Specialist, an Oregon based digital marketing consultancy. The company markets customer’s websites and provide SEO services to grow their business. We thank them for their support.

Entertainment, Event

Montavilla Jazz Festival 2025 Starts Aug 29

Next Friday, the 12th annual Montavilla Jazz Festival (MJF) will kick off a weekend full of 26 featured concerts in five venues across the neighborhood and locations in Portland’s Eastside. The three-day celebration of musical artistry starts on Friday, August 29th, and runs through Sunday, the 31st, featuring free-donation-based and paid ticketed events. Each year, MJF brings music fans of all ages to the neighborhood and expands Portlanders’ appreciation for jazz.

12th Annual Montavilla Jazz Festival promotional banner featuring event dates August 29-31, 2025, with a colorful geometric design.
Graphic courtesy Montavilla Jazz Festival

The yearly late summer music programming spans indoor venues and outdoor locations such as Mt. Tabor Caldera Amphitheater and Montavilla’s SE 79th Avenue Street Plaza. The MJF website has a detailed list of event locations, times, and links to secure tickets or reservations when necessary. Portland Metro Arts at SE 90th Avenue and Stark Street will present two nights of performances, with The 1905 and Alberta Rose Theatre hosting additional MJF performances.

Thanks to Prosper Portland’s Scale Up Grant in 2024, MJF leaders say the festival doubled attendance with more than twice the number of performances as the previous year. They hope that trend will continue with a second year of grant support. MJF is the only Portland festival focused on original music from the city’s jazz artists. Performances will feature the rising stars and creative artists connected to Portland.

MJF now offers a three-tiered pass system for concerts in Montavilla. A free with donation “Tabor Village Weekend” grants attendees access to four concerts over two nights at Mt. Tabor Park’s Caldera Amphitheater, and six SoundsTruck NW Stage concerts at the Montavilla Plaza on SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. People purchasing the “Jazz Adventure” pass can use an MJF Shuttle running from the park through Montavilla to the Plaza and Portland Metro Arts. The up to $249 “VIP Experience” pass grants seating and parking perks. Additional concerts, ticketed individually, will take place at the Alberta Rose Theatre and The 1905.

A diverse audience seated under tents at an outdoor event, enjoying the performances at the Montavilla Jazz Festival.
2024 MJF attendees at the SoundsTruck NW Stage next to the Montavilla Plaza

For the third year, MJF honors the late Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish’s contribution to the city’s jazz community by presenting an award in his name. On August 31st, presenters will deliver this year’s Nick Fish Jazz Community Award to bandleader, broadcaster, and percussionist Nick Gefroh. The city’s jazz community credits Gefroh with starting the first Latin Jazz band in Portland and significantly shaping the regional jazz landscape.

People interested in attending should look at the event schedule and secure their access. All festival events require passes for entry. Everyone in the neighborhood should plan for a busier weekend around event locations starting on August 29th. Check with local businesses offering MJF specials around the festival, as some will host DJs and late-night sets.

Correction: An earlier version of this article indicated that it was taking place this Friday instead of the following Friday, August 29th. Montavilla News regrets this error.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Entertainment, Event, Food and Drink

2025 Montavilla Street Fair July 27

On Sunday, July 27th, the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) will host the 12th annual Street Fair on SE Stark Street. Early that morning, crews will close the road from SE 82nd to 76th Avenues along with segments of side streets to allow the 150 booth operators to set up ahead of the 10 a.m. opening. Vendors will sell a variety of items, including food and drinks, unique artwork, handcrafted goods, and clothing. Mixed in with people selling items, organizations will provide information, and performers will entertain the crowds until 6 p.m. Vehicle traffic will resume on the street later that evening after organizers clear the area. Still, people can stay in the neighborhood to visit the bars and restaurants along SE Stark and NE Glisan Streets. Last year, an estimated 25,000 people visited Montavilla’s historic downtown from around the region, participating in the annual 1,400-foot-long community party.

Graphic promoting the Montavilla Street Fair featuring a live music stage and an audience of diverse people, with a dog and food vendor tents in the scene. The event date is displayed as Sunday, July 27, 2025.

On Wednesday, July 16th, sign installers placed the banner over SE Stark Street at 80th Avenue, announcing the Street Fair dates to everyone passing by. Although many people in the area have already marked the date on their calendars, raising the banner represents Montavilla’s invitation to the city of Portland. Thousands of visitors attend this annual neighborhood event, driving record sales to local businesses and introducing people to the historic Montavilla downtown area.

Banner announcing the Montavilla Street Fair hanging over SE Stark Street, with shops and trees visible in the background.

Event organizers will feature the big brass sounds of a mini HONK! Fest PDX on SE 80th Avenue. People can also enjoy performances at the SE 79th Avenue Plaza Stage next to the Threshold Brewing beer garden. The main stage will feature a diverse mix of local Portland music and national touring artists. Montavilla Brew Works will sponsor a special stage located across from their brewery at SE Stark Street and 78th Avenue, where they will host one of the four beer gardens, with Tinker Tavern and The Observatory rounding out the beer-centered street fair destinations. Many past fair booth operators are returning, alongside a new crop of makers, food vendors, and organizations. As a bonus, the Montavilla Farmers Market will be open during its regular hours on the 27th, providing attendees with access to more booths and food options at SE 76th Avenue and Stark.

A colorful promotional poster for the Montavilla Street Fair and HONK! Portland event, featuring playful watermelon graphics, dates, and event details.

Sponsorship from Adventist Health Portland, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Mr. Plywood, and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) helps fund what has become one of the largest street fairs in Portland. People can find day-of-event updates and the full music lineup, including performance times, at the METBA website (metba.org).

Update July 21, 2025: This article was updated with more detailed information about the side street music offerings and beer gardens.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News will have a booth at the fair this year. We will giving away stickers and sell year subscriptions that will come with a logoed hat or pin, while supplies last.

A mannequin wearing a dark blue shirt with the Montavilla News logo and a maroon beanie hat featuring the same logo.
New Business

Cannabis Store Opening in Downtown Montavilla

Broadway Cannabis Market will open a new location in the former Tub and Tan building at 8028 SE Stark Street. The Oregon marijuana dispensary chain signed a five-year lease for the Montavilla storefront in a building currently listed for sale. The company’s owner, Tony Birch, is recognized for introducing an upscale design to the ubiquitous landscape of pot shops across the city, with a notable investment in downtown Portland. He now intends to bring that same model into Montavilla’s historic downtown, with Broadway Cannabis Market’s seventh store expected to open sometime in early 2026.

3D drawing of the interior layout for a cannabis dispensary, featuring a reception counter, seating areas, and display sections.
Rendering of Broadway Cannabis Market’s Montavilla sales area. Image curtesy Broadway Cannabis Market

The location ultimately met several requirements sought by the company when choosing a site for its new storefront. One factor the business owner looks for is a desirable commercial area that may have some underutilized storefronts. “I’m born and raised in Portland and so very familiar with Montavilla in general, and we’ve been keeping our eye on that little downtown strip specifically for quite some time,” said Birch. However, finding available space never surfaced in his research until a chance meeting presented this off-market opportunity. Birch frequents real estate networking events and bumped into the person trying to sell the old Tub and Tan building. “I ended up looking into the property and realized it actually meets all the zoning requirements and the setback requirements, as the land use [restrictions] for cannabis are pretty specific,” explained Birch. Before signing the lease, he visited the area and spoke with local business people to gauge how well his shop would integrate into the community on SE Stark Street. Birch said people seemed generally responsive to the idea of marijuana sales in the area and noted that shops on the street tend to close down around 10 p.m. “We have to close by 10, so it’s great that [Montavilla] wasn’t necessarily a late-night crowd. We have downtown Portland locations, and some of those are disadvantageous because there’s a big 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. crowd that we don’t capitalize on,” explained Birch. Those factors, along with the storefront’s proximity to bars and restaurants and the neighborhood’s general walkability, made it an exciting spot for the chain to expand to.

Map showing the location of Broadway Cannabis Market at 8028 SE Stark Street in Portland, with highlighted buffer zones and property information.
Portland Cannabis Application map showing Broadway Cannabis Market’s pending application at 8028 SE Stark St. Circles show 1,000 foot exclusion zone around schools in blue and other dispensaries shown in yellow

The in-house design team at Broadway Cannabis Market is reworking the former hot-tubbing and tanning building to optimize customer flow and create back-of-house space that supports store operations. Birch noted that they differ from other marijuana dispensaries with a more open frontage during business hours. “We’re going to design it in a way that’s not ominous or intimidating from a passerby’s perspective. All the windows will be wide open, looking right into the business. We’re not going to have frosted glass or anything. I hate seeing dispensaries where they’re all covered up, it’s not very attractive.” At night, store staff will close external pulldown metal shutters covering the windows. They chose that security measure to avoid using bars in the windows, which Birch says makes places look like a jail and implies that the neighborhood is unsafe. Beyond that, they do not employ other visible security measures or security staff.

They plan to paint the building’s exterior black with a botanical leaf design, similar to other locations under the Broadway Cannabis Market brand. “It’s hand-painted. We’ve got two muralists that we’ve used in the past, Portland-based guys,” said Birch. “It’s very clean and modern, but also artistic, which I hope the neighborhood’s going to like. It’s always been well-received.” Except for paint and signage updates, the exterior will remain essentially unchanged, keeping the same doors and windows. Birch explained that the earthy artistic themes of the mural will extend into the shop. “The Broadway brand is grassroots, Oregon-vibed, Portland-vibed, wood tones, grass tones, neutral colors, artistic feeling on the inside. We’ll [display] poppy-art installations on the interior of the building that give a nice artistic feeling to it.”

Exterior view of the Broadway Cannabis Market building featuring a black facade with white botanical artwork, located in a commercial area.
Broadway Cannabis Market downtown Portland showing exterior black paint with a botanical leaf mural design. Photo curtesy Broadway Cannabis Market

Attention to the retail space is almost as crucial to the company as its products, stemming from the founder’s background. Tony Birch entered the Cannabis industry through solar power. “My degree’s in renewable energy, and I did that for a handful of years after college and then made the switch to cannabis,” recalled Birch. Around 2014, he transitioned to cannabis growing, employing sustainable farming practices such as recycling rainwater and nutrient-rich water for reuse on the crops. They also used energy-efficient lighting mounted on light movers to reduce power usage, utilizing fewer fixtures that were repositioned over plants as needed, rather than lighting the entire facility. His eye towards environmental concerns followed in his switch to cannabis retail through the responsible sourcing of products. “We prioritize farms that have an eye on renewables. There are a lot of Oregon farms that are very pro-renewables, pro-recycling of their water, pro-living soil beds where they’re not even using [added] nutrients on the regular. We thankfully have great relationships with them, and we prioritize those companies,” said Birch.

Interior view of a cannabis dispensary featuring wooden display counters, various products in glass cases, and digital signage advertising promotions.
Broadway Cannabis Market example interior design. Photo curtesy Broadway Cannabis Market

Birch explained that Broadway Cannabis Market uses well-informed staff, upscale store design, and competitively priced products to differentiate itself from other operators in the market. They primarily offer the standard dried and cured buds of the cannabis plant referred to as flower in the industry, but have a wide range of other products beyond that that contain elements of the plant. “Our number one selling category is flower, classic flower. Beyond that, it’s pre-rolls,” said Birch. Sister brands of the company manufacture those pre-rolled, ready-to-smoke marijuana cigarettes within a facility in Tigard, Oregon. Vaping cartridges used in electronic cigarettes account for over 20% of store sales, and he expects this to continue in a high-traffic area like Montavilla. They also sell Cannabis edibles. “Gummies are king. Everyone loves their gummies. But beyond that, baked goods, and a lot of cookie options. We’re seeing a lot of interest in the ratios,” explained Birch. Those products contain cannabinol (CBN) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a variable ratio, producing differing effects. “For the people who want the sleepy time stuff, CBN is the cannabinoid that aids in sleep. So we’re increasingly stocking more of [CBN heavy products] and some other ratio gummies that are not just the pure THC,” He notes that this is indicative of people shifting from wanting to only get high on the products to a growing number of customers who are using it for sleep aids and other wellness activities.

Birch says he is excited to open the new Montavilla location and will look for ways to cross-promote with neighboring businesses. He also hopes neighbors will feel comfortable buying from the shop. He prides himself on having well-trained, uniformed staff that can educate a novice user or speak intelligently to a regular customer at any hour of operation. He also notes that the shop offers a product range that caters to a price point fitting many buyers. “We want people of any budget to come in, whether buying a $2 pre-roll or a $300 ounce,” said Birch. When the shop opens in the first quarter of 2026, it will operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

By

Jacob Loeb

Community, Crime

Montavilla Pet Supply Robbed at Gunpoint

In the early evening of January 2nd, a person brandishing a handgun robbed Personal Beast Pet Supply at 8119 SE Stark Street. The assailant reportedly struck the store employee across the face with the butt of his gun and discharged the firearm while grabbing the cash drawer. The suspect ran off after destroying the store’s Point of Sale (POS) system, gaining only a modest amount of cash kept in the store. The ricocheting bullet went through the front counter but fortunately failed to hit the people and animals inside the shop. Portland Police officers arrived within a minute of the 911 call, just missing the suspect. Police stayed onsite for several hours, processing the physical evidence left behind.

Portland police forensic sticker by bullet hole in Personal Beast’s sales counter.

Pet supply store owner Sara Philbrook is baffled by this first-of-a-kind crime at her business. The store has suffered extensive property damage in the past from a habitual window breaker and the occasional shoplifter or other non-threatening theft. Still, the store has remained a safe space for her employees and their animals. “We’ve had people come in and steal things, really minor shoplifting over the years,” recalled Philbrook. “Even when we had the vandalism, it was just vandalism. We’ve never felt physically threatened like this before.” Philbrook explained that this type of crime does not make sense because they do not deal in cash often, with nearly 90 percent of customers paying by credit card. The POS only has enough money to cover the occasional transaction. At a replacement cost of $2,000, the year-old cash register equipment destroyed in the robbery was worth nearly 20 times what Philbrook estimates the perpetrator stole.

The damaged POS equipment placed back on the counter after robbery

Since 2008, the pet supply store has served as Historic Montavilla Downtown’s closest storefront to SE 82nd Avenue. Sara Philbrook feels that could have contributed to why the assailant targeted the shop. The location generates less foot traffic than other stores on SE Stark Street, and it is next to a fast food parking lot that suffers from issues with drug use. “You could see him on the camera. He was scoping out the neighborhood for a while. He probably just saw us as the weakest link. We’re not super busy, not like a restaurant,” said Philbrook. “I feel like it was a fluke. I don’t think that it’s indicative of any sort of uptick in gun violence. I want to say that we just got unlucky.” She will adjust how they staff the store, requiring two people on shift at all times. All the store staff enjoy the neighborhood, and Philbrook appreciates her shop’s landlord but would consider relocating further west on the street to lessen their exposure to future crimes.

Personal Beast Pet Supply is back open on its regular schedule. The injured staff member will take time off to recuperate and process the traumatic events. People wanting to support the store can shop for pet supplies or visit to wish them well. Some customers have delivered plants and cards in a show of support. If pet owners do not need supplies but want to help counter Personal Beast’s losses, Sara Philbrook offers paid pet nutrition plan consultations. The store’s website details the service and scheduling options. The Personal Beast team appreciates Montavilla’s reaction to this event and is thankful they can recover from the injuries sustained. “I’m glad to be in this community regardless of the situations that happened,” said Philbrook. “Montavilla is pretty much the sweet spot. If this had happened in any other neighborhood, I don’t think we would get the sort of support and community outpouring we get here.”

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Entertainment, Event, Food and Drink

Montavilla’s December Holidays Celebration

Starting this December, the Montavilla business community will launch into a month-long celebration of the Winter holidays. Businesses and organizations will offer a mix of giving opportunities while encouraging people to support their community through shopping locally. Even without spending money, people can participate through two free events offered on SE Stark Street to get into the seasonal mood with friends and neighbors.

Next Saturday, the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) will host its Tree Lighting in the public plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 7th from 4 to 6 p.m. Organizers will light up the Montavilla holiday tree at 5 p.m. and serve hot cocoa while supplies last. Participants can enjoy community cheer and seasonal music as they start the countdown to the new year.

A week later, on December 14th, people can gather for a free Santa picture event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Board Bard Games. The gaming shop at 7960 SE Stark Street will offer an opportunity to take a seasonal family picture with Santa. People waiting for their turn to pose with the jolly icon can partake in hot cocoa and other treats. The organizers remind people to bring their own cameras to capture the moment.

Shopping locally is essential to maintaining a strong community, and METBA wants to reward those who help keep Montavilla thriving. From December 1st through the 21st, people who eat, drink, shop, and recreate at participating businesses will earn raffle entries through completed passports. Every qualifying purchase of $5 or more from the list of locations earns a sticker to go inside a passport. Participating businesses will have passports to get people started, and collecting six stickers completes a passport. Each entry increases your odds of winning the raffle, and there is no limit to the number of passports a person can complete. To enter, drop off completed passports at Redwood at 7915 SE Stark Street or Arbor Hall at 7907 SE Stark Street by the close of business on December 21st.

Graphic courtesy METBA

As a bonus, purchases made during the Merry Montavilla Soiree on December 21st earn participants two stickers for their passports. The Soiree is a one-day event full of special offers and discounts to help last-minute shoppers and Portlanders looking for a special night out.

Many Montavilla shops are embracing the giving season with a donation drive. Participating businesses will collect Adult-sized jackets or coats, warm hats, gloves, scarves, hand warmers, and sleeping bags for Rahab’s Sisters. The organization’s beneficiaries will appreciate those new and gently used items during the cold weather. Rahab’s Sisters have a particular need for plus-size or extended-size donations. Participating locations are listed on the METBA website.

Montavilla Brew Works at 7805 SE Stark Street will host a special Giving Tuesday event on December 3rd, supporting Cultivate Initiatives. Giving Tuesday follows the busy seasonal shopping days and encourages people to support local organizations supporting positive change in their communities. Michael Kora from Montavilla Brew Works explained that his company has a long relationship with Cultivate Initiatives’ leadership, which has grown into the brewery’s expanded support of the group’s efforts. “Over the years, we’ve spearheaded a winter clothing donation drive in the neighborhood that directly supports the more marginalized people in our neighborhood and beyond. With its success during the winter season, we eventually just made it an all-year-long donation drive.”

Graphic courtesy Montavilla Brew Works

Montavilla Brew Works’ Giving Tuesday event runs from 5 to 8 p.m., and donators will receive $1 off their first beverage. People should bring new or gently used warm clothing. They will also accept new underwear, socks, pet food, and hygiene products. Briel’s Barbecue popup will sell food at the event, but Kora noted the BBQ food often sells out and recommends people stop by early. This event is limited to people 21 or older, and organizers hope people will have a good time while supporting a cause they care about.

Once again, Montavilla businesses are doing what they can to celebrate the winter through giving and creating a space for people to enjoy the company of their community.

By

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account for monthly support or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.