About James Beard Public Market

Making & Honoring History


Your Oregon Market

A hub for local foods, open daily

James Beard Public Market will be a permanent public showcase for Oregon’s agricultural bounty, gathering farmers, butchers, cheesemongers, fishmongers, and other independent food and beverage merchants under one roof.

Created by and for the community, the Market will serve all citizens, regardless of income level. Open daily, it will help bring energy and opportunity to Portland’s city center—a landmark venue for shopping, learning, and eating on Portland’s downtown waterfront.


The Inspiration

About our namesake

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.”


Beard's work was groundbreaking and unparalleled—informed by Oregon’s natural bounty—inspiring a national movement to celebrate local foodways.


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.