About James Beard Public Market

Making & Honoring History

Slated to open in 2025, downtown Portland’s James Beard Public Market will be a daily, year-round market dedicated to honoring the legacy of James Beard and celebrating the best of Oregon’s food and culture. With its mission to enhance access to affordable nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and revive Portland's public market history, the market will provide economic opportunities for an estimated 40 small businesses. The market’s focus on equity, social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and education will foster an inclusive food space encompassing a teaching kitchen, farm stands, fish market, butcher, cheese shop, bookstore, fast casual dining, and more. In the heart of Portland, the James Beard Public Market will be a market for all. Sign up for the James Beard Public Market newsletter.

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The Inspiration

James Beard was born in Portland in 1903. A prolific cookbook author, food writer, chef, restaurateur, and cooking-school founder, he hosted America’s first food-television program in 1946. In 1954, The New York Times described him as the “Dean of American cookery.”

Find and Connect with Oregon Foods

Discover Oregon Taste

The COVID-19 pandemic paused development plans for the nascent James Beard Public Market while exposing the importance and vulnerability of our local food systems.

In response, the JBPM staff and board developed Oregon Taste, a free, searchable online directory connecting local farm-fresh foods and food businesses directly with consumers. Oregon Taste is maintained as a public resource for all Oregonians in partnership with James Beard Public Market.