After more than three decades in business, a popular Portland, Oregon vegan diner closed down for good recently.
Paradox Cafe, which was regarded as Portland’s first-ever vegan diner, shut its doors for a variety of reasons, according to a message on the restaurant’s official site. Sadly, the eatery’s struggles have been mounting since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Like so many other food service businesses, we can no long sustain operations and have served the final plate,” the message reads. “So many contributing factors, that have been intensifying since COVID, have made this a necessary decision for our 30+ years as a plant based diner, on SE Belmont St, in Portland, OR. Portland’s 1st vegan diner!”
Paradox, which served vegan takes on classic diner dishes, also shared a thank you to its loyal customers in its farewell announcement.
“I want to thank you for your support for all of these years, keeping some of my friends and some of my co-workers employed during our time in business,” the restaurant’s owner wrote. “We have tried and we have worked through the struggle and want thank all of you who helped for your purchasing support and financial help! That’s a [wrap].”
Fans of Paradox have been returning the love
Based on comments on social media, Paradox will be deeply missed by many in the Portland community.
“Will miss y’all forever & always. Your food was magical & my comfort through so much of life. Thank you for everything ❤️,” one person wrote on Instagram.
“When I first moved to Portland in 2010 someone introduced me to your biscuits & gravy and I’ve been coming back ever since,” a second person said. “This makes me so sad, but also deeply grateful. You created something genuine and it clearly touched a lot of people. Wishing you all the best in whatever comes next! Thank you for the memories and the biscuits!”
“This is so incredibly sad. You were one of the first diners I went to when I moved here. ❤️,” a third person added.
“This is really sad news. You’ll be so missed on Sunday morning,” wrote a fourth person.
According to KGW8, Paradox is the latest Portland vegan establishment to close recently, joining Blossoming Lotus, Sudra and Sweet Hereafter, all of which were open for a decade or more.
