Vans on Foster’s are closing abruptly in Southeast Portland

PORTLAND, OR – A popular food truck location in Southeast Portland has closed. Almost all of the food carts in Carts on Foster have left the area and found a new venue elsewhere.

Neighbors said they are worried about the amount of businesses they see closing and leaving the area.

“You know you get used to seeing it, it just hurts every time,” said Southeast Portland resident Izzy Berlingeri.

A few weeks ago, Foster’s Carts was a popular spot filled with food carts and picnic tables. Now, all that’s left is an abandoned grill, overturned bushes, and three food carts that haven’t moved yet.

“It feels like the beginning of the end,” said Berlingeri.

Southeast Portland residents are also concerned about the site’s closure.

“I’m a little upset but it obviously doesn’t have to be a great site,” said Romaine Harris.

Harris said she will miss Laurel’s Chuck Chicken. Two months ago, the food cart’s owner, Darrell Preston, was attacked outside his pod. His lawyer said a white man shouted racial slurs at Preston and beat him.

RELATED: Caught in violent attack on Black Portland food truck owner

Besides Preston, neighbors said they would miss the Year of the Fish food cart. Its landlord, Ed McGregor, said he received three weeks’ notice that the landlords had not renewed the lease. It has reopened at Southeast 82nd Avenue.

Other food cart owners said they had no idea they planned to shut down the pod.

“We were not given any notice at all,” said Fadha al-Khafaji, the owner of Shawarma Station.

She said her business lost money and food when Carts on Foster suddenly closed. They didn’t realize the lottery was closing until picnic tables started clearing out.

“It was really difficult. Because we were surprised by Foster, we didn’t know they were closing,” Al-Khafaji said.

The Shawarma Station and Monster Mac have both opened their downtown restaurants at Midtown Beer Garden.

Although many carts have found new locations, the neighbors worry about what will happen to the empty lot.

“It’s hard to know what will happen in an area like this,” Berlingeri said.