The owner of Portland institution Veritable Quandary is upset about the proposed Multnomah County courthouse which would be located on SW Naito Parkway. The owner is concerned that, because the new building would take over the land that he leases including the the patio and adjacent green space, he would lose the most valuable parts of his business – not to mention the chaos that would be caused by construction. Here is the press release:
Portland, Ore. – On Tuesday, December 16th at 10:00am, Multnomah County Commissioners will discuss the preliminary planning proposal for a new Multnomah County Courthouse, including a preferred site for the new building. The preferred site would have dire consequences for the Veritable Quandary, a downtown Portland restaurant that has been a cornerstone of the city’s dining scene for nearly 44 years.
Operating in Downtown Portland since 1971, the Veritable Quandary serves cuisine inspired by the bounty of the Pacific Northwest, sourcing its menu from area farmers and suppliers and supporting the region’s local food economy. The Veritable Quandary currently employs 75 full and part-time staff and has an annual payroll of over $1.5 million.
In addition to outstanding food and service, the Veritable Quandary has become a dining destination in large part due the beautiful garden surrounding the restaurant’s patio. Veritable Quandary owner Dennis King has put in hundreds of hours creating and maintaining the garden and patio, which the Oregonian has called one of, “the city’s best outdoor dining spots.” A new courthouse on the block would damage the unique outdoor dining experience that Veritable Quandary has cultivated over the past four decades and the noise accompanying multiple years of construction would put the restaurant’s future at risk.
“The Veritable Quandary represents the best of Portland – it celebrates locally produced food, contributes to the city’s economy, and has become a gathering space for the community,” said Denny King, owner of the Veritable Quandary. “The city needs a new courthouse, but there are other sites that are better suited for such a building. The Veritable Quandary is my life’s work and I’d hate to see this be the end of it.”
The County’s preferred site for the new courthouse is the block along SW Naito Parkway that is surrounded by SW Madison St. to the North, SW 1st Ave to the West, and SW Jefferson St. to the South.
County staff have indicated they are moving forward with the site at SW 1st and Madison despite the availability of alternative locations that would have limited impact on local businesses the potential to transform surface parking lots into active public spaces. One such alternative location is the surface parking lot at the corner of SW 1st Ave. and SW Columbia St.
Meeting Details
Tuesday, December 16th
10:00am
Multnomah County Headquarters
501 SE Hawthorne
Portland, OR 97214
Steve A says
we’ve frequented VQ many many times over the years although mostly for their brunch or breakfast service. Each time its been exquisite. I’m curious that a city so proud of its reputation being appreciative of its legacy that its simply willing to bulldoze iconic institutions. so sad that city government seems to be comfortable to practice another example of hypocrisy. very sad really.
R Oberdorf says
I’m a farmer who has supplied Veritable Quandary for almost 2 decades. If their business is hurt, my business will be impacted greatly. This restaurant has been my best customer in terms of the volume of produce they use and their dependability, not to mention their kindness. Already two other Portland institutions have closed this year: Wildwood and Produce Row Cafe, both customers of ours. I’m not sure our farm can survive another large customer going down. If there are other sites for the courthouse, they should be explored first. Portland is best known for its dining scene. You can’t have a reputation such as that resting on a constant stream of new restaurants, which often don’t last. This one has proven itself with much hard work. It’s THE charm of downtown Portland, a draw not only for locals, but for visitors from all over the country and beyond. If the people planning this courthouse don’t care about all the employees and farmers who would be impacted by hurting this business, they should at least consider hurting Portland’s desirability. The fine dining experience, garden patio, magical location and character of this restaurant could never ever be matched, It doesn’t matter who I’m talking to, from what walk of life, the minute I mention VQ, eyes light up with the exclamation “That’s my favorite restaurant!”
Andrea Smith says
What possible justification could the city have for destroying a solid business that employs 75 with an annual
payroll of 1.5 million? Our city does not have its priorities in order.
Andrea Smith says
My mistake, the county.
Tom Hitchcock says
I am a foodie who has been enjoying the Portland Food scene for almost 16 years. I cannot countenance the loss of another great restaurant such as Veritable Quandry, without good reason. A new County Courthouse with suitable site options, does not seem a justifiable reason.
I would respectfully request that the county planners focus on one of the available options.