🐦 Portland’s dream of the 90s lives on (really)

Two Dozen Cannabis Shop Burglaries

A burglary ring is using stolen cars to ram through the windows of cannabis shops, among other ways of stealing their products. So far this year, around two dozen shops have been hit, causing financial distress for the businesses, which have been forced to lay off workers or even close. [Oregonian]

$150M in Renovations Planned for Big Pink

The U.S. Bancorp Tower’s new owner, Jeff Swickard, says he plans major renovations to attract more tenants. Swickard, who lives in Nevada and owns a chain of auto dealerships, argues the $150 million investment is a necessary incentive, because Portland’s high taxes are off-putting to businesses. The plans include a skybridge to link offices to a nearby parking lot, along with new gyms, restaurants, and coffee shops. [Oregonian 🔒 ]

35- to 49-Year-Olds Dominate Here

Nearly a quarter of Portland’s population is aged 35 to 49. In fact, there are a higher share of older millennials and younger Gen Xers than in any other major U.S. city. It reflects the surge of young people who arrived in the 1990s to the mid-2010s — and are now a bit older. The large number in this age group is probably a good thing for Portland’s economic health, because they’re in the prime of their work life. [Oregonian]

Portland’s Most Notable Memes

Over the years, Portland has generated a lot of meme-worthy news, from exploding whales to cement milkshakes. The City Cast Portland podcast breaks down some of our city and state’s most memorable viral moments. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

This month, we have a couple of standout additions to the Portland restaurant scene:

🍞 Berlu Bakery | 661 SE Belmont (Buckman neighborhood)

Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

If (like I did) you missed the previous installments of Berlu, don’t miss this one. Chef Vince Nguyen won a regional James Beard award in 2023 as he began focusing on Vietnamese flavors — and then bakery items. His previous bakery shut down operations in 2024, but now the bakery is back and bigger than before.

The results are unique and tasty. (Bonus: Berlu Bakery pays workers $25+ an hour, and doesn’t ask for tips.) Right now, the bakery has plenty of sweet options and will gradually be adding more savory dishes.

Go for: The signature bánh bò nướng, which is a cross between sponge cake and slightly sweet bread. It’s made gluten-free with tapioca. (A variation serves as a base of their excellent version of avocado toast.)

Stay for: bánh khoai mì nướng — cassava cake, currently served with kiwi on top. (It was my favorite thing I tried.)

Return: as a diehard fan.

• Related: PDX Eater has a writeup of the best treats on offer. (I endorse their recommendations.)

🍸 Kachka Fabrika | 2117 NE Oregon Street (Kerns neighborhood)

Hours: To be determined. (They just opened on Friday.)

Sister restaurant, Kachka, has been one of the best restaurants in town for years, with a heavy emphasis on vodka with various infusions. It only made sense for there to be a dedicated bar — Kachka Fabrika — with an adjacent distillery.

Go for: horseradish-infused vodka and other infused drinks.

Stay for: a fish-focused menu.

Return for: your favorite dumplings.

Plus, here’s a spot that opened earlier this spring that’s worthy of a mention:

☕ Parkrose Coffee Shop | 4826 NE 105th Ave. (Parkrose neighborhood)

Hours: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily

Owner Lily Burnett opened the café to create a welcoming place for her East Portland neighborhood. It’s light and bright, with walls full of prints from local artists. It’s a pleasant place to meet a friend, sit with your laptop, or a book.

Go for: a coffee break.

Stay for: the flavored drinks like a pistachio-and-rose-flavored latte (aka the Parkrose) or a lavender fog (an Earl Grey-style tea latte with Oregon lavender).

Return for: an attractive space with free WiFi.