After being around for almost 70 years, The Pagoda Restaurant in Portland's Hollywood District has closed it's doors. Soon, if all goes according to plan, it will be the location of a new Key Bank. Chinese food in Portland will never be the same.
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The Pagoda has been a gathering place for countless families over the years. Our family used to meet up there, my wife's family did the same. My step-sister's mother worked at the Pagoda for 20 years as a waitress and a family friend worked there for several years as well. Gosh, how many pennies had we all thrown into the fountain in the entrance? I vividly remember the "This Is A Union House" sign hanging in the Dining Room - it was one of the last "unionized" restaurants around Portland. Yes, the Hollywood District is looking much different than it did just 20 or 30 years ago. The only distinguishable landmark still standing is the Hollywood Theatre, but who knows for how long?
The last time our family gathered at The Pagoda was this past October, with a dinner in honor of our Mother who had just passed away. Glad she wasn't around to see the place being shut down. This one is "To Go".
There are a few postings on local newspaper websites/blogs if you want to read more. Link 1. Link 2. Link 3.
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