Rumor Mill: Cider Mill & Fryer Tuck Chicken to Close
[Note: owner Toby Harris has reached out to me to say that he has a long time lease on the property and has no plans to close. I don’t know how it started, but this rumor spread all over town! I’ve asked him for a formal statement, but put this down as “fake news”.]
Word has been spreading around town that the Cider Mill and Fryer Tuck’s Fried Chicken will be closing to make room for, you guessed it, a condominium complex. I am told the new building will be four stories tall and take over the entire corner.
When the Cider Mill first opened at 6712 SW Capitol Highway almost 100 years ago, prohibition was still in effect, so their business model was strictly fresh cider and a cafe. Once the 18th amendment was repealed in 1932, alcohol was added and the restaurant became a popular stop on the way to points west.
In 1989 the restaurant bought a franchise of the popular fried chicken restaurant, Fryer Tuck’s, of which there were six in the area at that time. That chain was started in 1959 by Mr. and Mrs. Cover who operated the business for 25 years. This Fryer Tuck’s is the last branch remaining.
The Cider Mill specializes in chicken and jojo dinners made in Henny Penny fryers, which are still manufactured. (Jojo’s are basically potatoes cooked just like fried chicken) A few years later new owners expanded into the building next door, adding a microbrewery.
Over the years I’ve been told the chicken lost its luster, seemly playing second fiddle to the Cider Mill. Online reviews have been pretty scathing over the last few years. But it was still a landmark, and I will miss driving past on my trips to SW. No word on the exact closing date.
Update: There is a rumor that the owner is denying the sale in a FB group. We’ll see.
There is also a rumor that O’Conners Bar & Grill in the village is closing. More news on all of this when we get it.
The American Local has closed
In case you missed this, The American Local closed last week. From their website:
It is with mixed emotions that we make this announcement, Saturday April 7th will be our last service. For the past 4 years we have been honored to have what we consider the best staff in Portland and serving all of you who we count as our friends, family, and neighbors. Thank you for all of your support, encouragement, and the special moments that you shared with us.
Michael liked the restaurant when he reviewed it back in 2014, saying “it is a credible addition to the local landscape, definitely worth visiting for dinner or weekend brunch.”
Stephanie O says
The Cider Mill rumor was debunked by the owner, Toby, on the Multnomah Village FB page. The rumor was started by the person that posted it was a rumor.
PDX Food Dude says
I heard that earlier today, but I’ve been burnt many times in such cases, so I’m leaving the post up for now. The parking lot is always busy, which made me wonder, but the place has seen much better days and the food is truly awful. They don’t seem to be doing any social media updates anymore. Plus it’s a huge piece of property which developers covet.
Toby says
This is Toby Harris [owner of Cider Mill], I assure you that this rumor is false as I have a long lease with my landlord Ellen Belesiu….. I have hired a great old Benihana chef and our food is much improved, my hopes are that you might come in and try it sometime.
Cheers
Toby
SteveW says
Good to hear the Cider Mill will continue as usual. We’ve been a customer of Fryer Tuck Chicken for 50+ years and it’s still our favorite, hands down.
B B says
Toby. I was worried for a second.
The Cider Mill is an essential part of our neighborhood community.
Im happy you are here to stay..
You have some great people working at “The Mill”.
B from down the street.