Vegan Landmark Proper Eats in St. Johns to Shutter at End of April
A vegan brunch spread at Proper Eats.
Image: Molly Woodstock
This month marks the end of an era for longtime Stumptown vegans. According to a Facebook post, St. Johns stalwart Proper Eats will close for good at the end of April.
“This is very difficult to put out there, but since it appears over 90% certain at this point, I must inform the community that I care about so much and who I know cares about Proper Eats,” owner James Hayes writes on the Proper Eats Facebook page. “I know this is a shock to many and I am still grappling with it, but… it is time for my family and I to move on to new adventures.”
The news certainly is a blow to fans of the café’s veggie burritos, tempeh sandwiches, and other first-wave vegan eats. But it’s not all bad news for NoPo herbivores—an earlier version of the Facebook post mentioned that the Proper Eats team is “transferring the space into the very capable and talented hands of Homegrown Smoker,” Portland’s famous meat-free barbecue food cart, which Hayes says “will be keeping the delicious vegan vibes flowing through [the] space.”
Although founder Jeff Ridabock was originally reluctant to comment, Homegrown Smoker announced on April 20 that it would, in fact, be opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant inside the Proper Eats space. "We are honored to continue their legacy by providing wholesome, tasty vegan food to St. John’s & all of Portland," a statement reads. "Our restaurant will be a continuation and growth of the Homegrown food you know and love—expect southern-style comfort food, BBQ classics and diner-style brunch!"
Proper Eats will be serving its full menu until April 23, and will be officially closed on April 27. The adjoining vegetarian market will also be selling its remaining inventory while supplies last. So if you’re planning to hurry in for one last plate of tempeh tacos or sesame peanut noodles, you’ve got a few days left to make it to St. Johns and raise a glass to Old (Vegan) Portland.
Editor's Note: This article was updated on April 20 to update the Proper Eats closing dates and confirm that Homegrown Smoker will be taking over the space.
