Vancouver Shari’s Location Transforms Into a New Shake Shack

Vancouver Shake Shack fiends, rise up: ShackBurgers and crinkle-cut fries have arrived at 2100 SE 164th Avenue in the Fisher’s Landing Marketplace as of Wednesday, April 16, the Oregonian reports. This is the brand’s fourth location in the Portland area, after first launching in Beaverton in 2021. This location takes over a former Shari’s Cafe and Pies, which shut down all of its locations suddenly in October 2024. Notably, this location joins the Beaverton location in later weekend hours, closing at midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Okta set to reopen in May

Tasting menu restaurant Okta went dark in September 2024, with chef Matthew Lightner leaving the operation, but now, Portland Monthly reports that the restaurant will reopen in May. Chef Christy Smith of Guerra’s will take the lead and bring a new four-course menu format to the restaurant, utilizing produce from the restaurant’s farm in Dundee Hills. Dinner will be priced at $100 per guest, and the menu will be divided into field, sea, pasture, and pantry with three options in each category, per PoMo.

House Spirits Distillery files for bankruptcy

House Spirits Distillery, the makers of Westward Whiskey, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 6, the Oregonian reports, citing “significant liquidity challenges” following low demand after the COVID-19 shutdowns. The brand grew during that time, but eventually stalled, losing $9.8 million in 2024, down 28 percent from the previous year. The company is looking to restructure the business to stay open and retain employees.

Help indie magazine Kitchen Table with its new issue

It’s the last week for food-obsessed readers (like yourself) to support indie mag Kitchen Table as they prepare their latest, The Future Issue. Kitchen Table is fundraising for this issue until Wednesday, April 23, via Crowdfundr, with plenty of award options for donors. This new issue “delves into the great unknown, offering fresh perspectives on how community and food—and our relationship with it—might shape the world ahead during these uncertain times,” per a press release, and promises a “who’s who” of Portland locals, including Sarah Marshall of Marshall’s Haute Sauce, Heather Arndt Anderson of OPB’s Superabundant, and more.