Good Food Here
4262 SE Belmont
Portland, OR
As part of our decision to acquire 43rd and Belmont, we analyzed alternative uses for this vacant lot. We decided to convert the lot into a food cart hub and opened in July 2010, one week prior to a national Television/internet blitz about street food in which CNN named Portland the #1 city in the world for food carts and street food culture.
To give the landscaping an inviting and unique look, we added several new planters, all with edible plants: hops, pineapple-guava, pear trees, olive trees, elderberry bushes, red currants, squash, strawberries, herbs, and blueberries. We put up a 20’ x 20’ canvas tent custom made by a local Portland company; the canopy top of this heated tent will remain year round, while the sides can come off during nice weather. We had tables made locally from Oregon cedar, and two of the tables are wheelchair accessible. Finally, we had four potable fresh-water hydrants installed.
“Good Food Here” is now fully leased, with 17 carts offering diverse and delicious cuisine—it is popular within the community and among tourists, and we are especially pleased to provide a focal point to this already-thriving neighborhood. We were also proud to learn that out-of-state municipal interests are using 43rd and Belmont as a model for fostering a sense of community and expanding local business options.
