And There Goes Both Sweet Jam Locations [UPDATED]

Sweet Jam, the brunch spot known for its sweet potato waffles and accompanying live jazz, has played out the Northwest altogether.

Within two weeks, owners have closed both Sweet Jam locations, starting with the recently opened MLK location. Owners announced the Portland closure on the restaurant’s Facebook page earlier this month, directing loyal brunch and blues fans to the restaurant’s location near Beaverton.

Then, 10 days later, the shop announced that Beaverton was a no-go, as well.

Restaurateur Frank Taylor started serving Sweet Jam biscuits and Benedicts in the former Horn of Africa space this fall after opening the first location in 2016. Taylor brought along a friend Jerry Nottage, who said he cooked for R&B greats like Aretha Franklin while working in Detroit.

The menu specialized in soul food: Southern-fried catfish or chicken on waffles, cheese shrimp grits with bacon, and Creole jambalaya with shrimp, andouille sausage and chicken.

Sweet Jam joins the recent wave of Portland brunch spot shutters, including The Big Egg and Flapjak Creperie.

Update (March 12th, 2017, 10:51 a.m.): This post has been updated to include the restaurant’s Beaverton closure.

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