Pod 28, the longstanding food cart pod at 113 SE 28th Ave in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood, is closing temporarily to make way for a significant renovation. The property is owned by Bitar Bros. LLC, with the pod itself set to close on September 30, according to Kelli Loyd, operations manager. Some of the pod’s food carts have opted to close earlier, on September 13, to prepare ahead of the full closure. Renovations are expected to take at least three months.
The upgrades planned for the space include a covered seating area, fire pits, and ADA-compliant bathrooms, improvements aimed at making the pod more comfortable and accessible once it reopens
Three of the pod’s carts, Fomo Chicken, Kontao Thai and Tobiko Bowl, will temporarily relocate to the 28th Parallel Food Carts pod at NE 28th and Glisan while the renovation is underway, according to Bridgetown Bites. Another former Pod 28 tenant, Saint Burrito, has already made its own move, relocating to the corner of NE 27th and Ankeny near Gorges Beer, complete with a patio and an expanded taco menu.
Pod 28 has built a loyal following over the years, drawing praise for its mix of cuisines, string lights, fire pits and dog friendly atmosphere, and was included in Eater Portland’s 2023 roundup of recommended spots along NE 28th Avenue’s restaurant row.
