Exclusive: After Forty Years Produce Row Is Closing Its Doors
Tuesday, September 02, 2014
Produce Row Cafe will serve its last pint Tuesday night.
Produce Row Cafe, or just “The Row,” as many of the longtime regulars call it, opened its doors way back in 1974. This popular Portland pub—the first cafe ever owned by the McMenamin brothers—has served as a frosty oasis for blue-collar types and politicians alike for four decades.
It was for everybody.
But in the wee hours of Wednesday morning Produce Row will call it quits and serve its last pint at the pub.
Owner Alan Davis, who also owns Multnomah Whisky Library in downtown Portland, purchased Produce Row on Nov. 3, 2008. Over the years Davis transformed the McMenamins-style brew pub into a more upscale gastropub without ever losing its original charm or flavor. Davis said it has been one of the most difficult decisions he has ever made to shutter the bar.
Davis sat down with GoLocalPDX to explain his decision. Davis, who owns the inner Southeast Portland building where Produce Row is located, said it was more a personal decision to close Produce Row than it was a business one.
“I can’t give Produce Row the time I would like to give it,” Davis said. Rather than let his time there slip away, Davis made the decision to close it down and focus his energy on his family and his other enterprises.
Over the last few days Davis had conversations with his management team, and on Labor Day morning Davis sat down with his staff to let them know that Tuesday would be the last day of business.
In honor of its 40 years, Davis is inviting everyone down to Produce Row Tuesday night to say goodbye.
Homepage Photo Credit: FraserElliot via Compfight cc
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