Greg Higgins, chef and co-owner of the renowned downtown Portland restaurant Higgins, recently shared an update following a social media post that drew significant attention. In a previous interview with KATU on Your Voice, Your Vote, Higgins expressed concerns about the restaurant’s future, citing a decline in downtown business and the need for financial assistance.

“We just saw downtown gradually wither around us and we’re not alone. There are a lot of businesses facing the same challenge,” Higgins said. He noted that last summer, the restaurant had to secure an SBA loan to stay afloat, and the prospect of incurring more debt was daunting.

However, Higgins reported a positive development this past week, stating that the restaurant has experienced an “immediate and overwhelming wave of reservations.”

In a message, Higgins expressed gratitude, saying, “We are so humbled and thankful to everyone! We’re not out of the woods yet, though, and neither are our many downtown neighbors. The momentum of your support is still building, and the potential can’t be understated. This is a vital moment for our city, and your ongoing patronage – not just of Higgins, but of all your beloved downtown businesses – can change the trajectory of Portland in the long term.”

While Higgins sees a glimmer of hope, other Portland establishments are not as fortunate.

Two Southeast Portland restaurants, ‘Home, A Bar’ on Southeast Morrison and ‘Slow Bar’ on Southeast Grand, have announced their impending closures.

Steve Carder, manager of Slow Bar, joined KATU’s YVYV to discuss the challenges faced by businesses in the area, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the neighborhood over recent years.

The future of Higgins remains uncertain, but the recent surge in support offers a promising sign for the restaurant and its downtown counterparts.

Watch the full interview with Carder or below: