Formerly occupied by Black Water, the space at 835 NE Broadway in Portland appears to be getting a new life. This week, Bridgetown Bites published coverage saying that a new spot called Billy Ray’s will be opening there.
Behind Billy Ray’s, says Bridgetown Bites, are Paula and Mark Hylland, owners of the The Mule Bar and Mousetrap Tavern.
“The Mule Bar is, of course, the bar that opened up in the old Stanich’s in 2024,” the coverage says. “The Hyllands also ran The GOAT Bar, but that closed earlier this year at their space on NE Sandy Blvd and moved into The Mule Bar.”
What Now reported on the planned opening of the Mule Bar all the way back in June 2023.
“In 1985, Paula [Hylland]’s father took the bold step of purchasing the Mousetrap Tavern, laying the foundation for a lifelong endeavor that would shape the lives of the entire Hylland family. As teenagers, Paula and her two brothers joined their parents in working at the tavern, immersing themselves in various roles that included weekend cleaning duties before opening. Through these experiences, they gained a genuine understanding of the realities of life, with its ups and downs,” the coverage said.
What Now reached out to Paula Hylland on Friday to ask about the Billy Ray’s. Hylland was not immediately available for comment. That means that, for the moment, we’ll have to keep our eyes peeled for more clues about the project.
