House on a dirt road with a Chown Hardwear Wagon

Fun Fact #57 What is the oldest retail business in Northwest Portland?

Written by

Tanya March

in

Last Updated on June 27, 2026

House on a dirt road with a Chown Hardwear Wagon

The oldest retail business in Northwest Portland is Chown Hardware dating back to 1879.  Still a family owned business that has evolved to meet the community needs. Images courtesy Chown Hardwear. Here’s a look at some of Northwest Portland’s most enduring establishments. This post was first created in 2020.

Northwest’s Legacy Businesses

1875 Good Samaritan Hospital

1879 Chown Hardware  (YouTube video coming soon.)

1885 Fruit & Flower “Joyful Learning Since 1906” the organization pre-dated the nursery school

1903 Besaw’s (Not in Continuous Operation) Link to Fun Fact #17 about the petition to shut Besaw’s

1926 Friendly House (YouTube Legacy Clip Coming Soon)

1941 Joe’s Cellar Our A Night With Ghost tour starts across from Joe’s

1944 Ring Side (Fire 2025) 

1958 Radio Cab (founded in 1946, moved to headquarters on NW Kearney)

1962 Cinema 21 (Theater operations in space since 1926 our video)

1965 William Temple House   (YouTube Legacy Clip Coming Soon)

1975 Kitchen Kaboodle

1978 Inn at Northrup Station (Carriage Inn) (YouTube Legacy Clip Coming Soon)

1979 Twist

1980 Elephant’s Deli

1983 Jim & Patty’s (Coffee People) (closed/reopening 2025), Papa Hayden, Escape From NY Pizza

1984 Tavern & Pool (McMenamins)

1986 Nob Hill Bar and Grill (Nobby’s), NW Examiner (Youtube Legacy Video Pending)

1988 New Renaissance Book Shop    (Youtube Legacy Video Coming Soon)

1993 West Coast Bento

1994 The Marathon Tavern

1996 Coffee Time (Youtube Legacy Video Clip Coming 2025)

1998 NW International Hostel

1997 Kelsall Chiropractic

2000 August Moon

2001 Ken’s Artisan Bakery, Yurs

2005 Dragonfly Coffee House

We also look forward to confirming the legacy status of other beloved establishments like 21st Grill, Marrakesh, Nob Hill Shoe Repair, Ling Garden, Uptown Barber Shop, and Delphinos/Serrotto. These businesses are more than just places to shop or eat; they are vital threads in the rich tapestry of Northwest Portland.

Gone But Not Forgotten

  • Henry Thiele’s Restaurant 1932-1990 Link to Fun Fact #63 about Henry Thiele

  • Fryer’s Quality Pie, 1934-1992  Link to Fun Fact #25 about Quality Pie

  • Istanbul Rug Bizar 1996-2023
  • Le Happy Creperia & Bar 2000-2024
  • Vivace 2000-2021
  • Anna Bannana’s 1989-2025
  • Kornblatt’s NY Style Deli 1985-2023
  • Dazzle 1985-2020
  • Food Front Co-op 1973 – 2023
  • Baue Thai 2000-2024
  • Child’s Play (Mud Puddle Toys) founded 1987 merge 2017, closed 2025


– a reminder that even legacies can end

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