Portland Mercado plans comeback year after destructive fire [Video]

PORTLAND, Ore. — One year after a fire destroyed parts of Portland Mercado on Jan. 3, 2024, the public market plans to rebuild with more than $1 million in community support, while displaced business owners forge new paths.

Chris Shimamoto, former owner of Barrio bar, remembers the emotional toll of losing his business.

“It was just a real tragedy, because my… I think my whole identity was at that bar,” Shimamoto said.

After months of depression and therapy, Shimamoto found a new home at Publican Beer Room inside CORE PDX (Collective Oregon Eateries), thanks to connections within Portland’s food community.

Among those helping was Mya Sandy Myint, owner of Sandy’s Myanmar Cuisine, who previously used Mercado’s commissary kitchen for pop-up events at Barrio. After relocating to CORE PDX before the fire, Myint organized a fundraiser for Shimamoto.

“She …